GENERAL PROVISIONS (8-32-010 et seq.)

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 8, ch. 8-32, pt. A

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-010 Short title.

8-32-010 Short title. This chapter may be referred to as the Chicago Noise Ordinance. (Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-020 Definitions.

8-32-020 Definitions. When used in this chapter, the following terms have the stated definitions: "Air handling unit" means any device or machine that as part of its function moves air into or out of a building, and includes but is not limited to any air conditioner, ventilation fan or exhaust fan. "Ambient noise level" means the sound level at a given location that exists as a result of the combined contribution in that location of all sound sources, excluding the contribution of a source or sources under investigation for violation of this Code. "Average conversational level" means a level at which normal, unamplified speech is clearly and distinctly audible above ambient noise level. "District" means those districts established by the City Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 of this Code). “Mechanical stationary equipment” means any single or group of machines or devices operated by fuel or electric power that does not change locations in the course of its use, including, but not limited to, air handling units and refrigeration units. Mechanical stationary equipment includes equipment on vehicles or trailers, including, but not limited to, generators, used when the vehicle or trailer is parked. "Noise disturbance" means any sound which is audible at a distance of 600 feet or more from the source. "Private open space" means any area on private property that is open to the outdoors, including but not limited to backyards, front yards, gangways and structures with windows and/or doors open to the outdoors. "Public way" means any sidewalk, street, alley, highway or other public thoroughfare. "Refrigeration unit" means any device or machine that as part of its function cools air, and includes but is not limited to any air conditioner or compressor used in connection with any refrigerator or freezer. (Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-15-23, p. 6542, Art. V, § 2)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-030 Rules and regulations.

8-32-030 Rules and regulations. The superintendent of police is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as he may deem appropriate for the proper administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, except section 8-32-090. (Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-040 Most restrictive limits to apply.

8-32-040 Most restrictive limits to apply. In case of a conflict between any sections of this chapter, the provision which contains the most restrictive limits applies. (Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-050 Remedies for violations.

8-32-050 Remedies for violations. (a) Unless otherwise specifically provided, a violation of this chapter is subject to a fine of $300.00 for a first offense, $500.00 for a second offense committed within a one-year period, and $1,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense committed within a one-year period. (b) The Superintendent of Police, or, in with respect to Section 8-32-090, the Chief Sustainability Officer, or the Superintendent’s or Commissioner’s designee, may require any person found liable for a violation of this chapter to submit a compliance plan, indicating measures taken or to be taken to prevent similar violations in the future. The required compliance plan shall be submitted to the appropriate department within 30 days of the order requiring it, or such other time period as is set forth in the order. Failure to respond as ordered shall be an additional offense. (c) If a person has submitted a compliance plan pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and the compliance plan has been approved by the appropriate department, that person shall comply with the approved compliance plan unless an alternate plan is approved by the appropriate department. (d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair any cause of action or legal remedy therefor of any person or the public for injury or damage arising from the emission of noise or earthshaking vibration in such place or manner, or at such levels, as to constitute a common law nuisance. Activity which is in accordance with a compliance plan does not absolve liability for activity in violation of this chapter. (Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-15-23, p. 6542, Art. V, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 12-20-25, p. 39283, Art. III, § 7)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-060 Designation of noise sensitive zones.

8-32-060 Designation of noise sensitive zones. An area shall be designated a noise sensitive zone following passage of an ordinance amending Section 8-32-065 that includes a finding, developed in consultation with the Department of Police and Department of the Environment, that such zone is an area where noise sensitive activities take place. Existing quiet zones shall be considered noise sensitive zones until otherwise designated. Noise sensitive activities include, but are not limited to, operations of schools, libraries open to the public, places of worship, hospitals and nursing homes. The Commissioner of Transportation shall install conspicuous signage identifying such areas as noise sensitive zones. (Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 11-20-19, p. 10362, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 12-20-25, p. 39283, Art. III, § 7; Amend Coun. J. 2-18-26, p. 40516, § 1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 8-32-065 Designated noise sensitive zones.

8-32-065 Designated noise sensitive zones. The following locations are designated as noise sensitive zones pursuant to Section 8-32-060: (1) East Chicago Avenue, between North Michigan Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive. (2) East Superior Street, between North Michigan Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive. (3) East Huron Street, between North Michigan Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive. (4) East Erie Street, between North Michigan Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive. (5) North Fairbanks Court, between East Chicago Avenue and East Superior Street. (6) West Washington Boulevard, between North Desplaines Street and 5 feet west of the easternmost off-ramp from Interstate 90/94. (7) North Desplaines Street, between West Court Place and West Warren Avenue . (8) West Warren Avenue, between North Desplaines Street and the easternmost off-ramp from Interstate 90/94. (Added Coun. J. 11-20-19, p. 10362, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 6-12-24, p. 13671, § 1)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2644923Fetched: 10/24/2026