Commercial Music / Noise Code Compliance

The Edge at Hudson Yards hosts an event venue perched atop Manhattan’s skyline that holds commercial music events. In response to noise complaints from neighboring residential units, GZA was engaged to conduct a comprehensive noise study. 

Challenge

The project faced the challenge of measuring and mitigating noise transmission between a bustling commercial venue and sensitive residential receivers located in a high-rise environment. New York City’s noise code (Title 24, Chapter 2, §24-231) imposes strict limits on sound levels from commercial music, requiring nuanced measurement and interpretation of both overall loudness and frequency-specific impacts.  The presence of other noise contributors, such as HVAC systems and rooftop units, complicated the identification of event-related noise exceedances.
 

Solution

GZA conducted two rounds of 72-hour noise monitoring, using calibrated equipment and strategic placement to isolate event-related noise from ambient sources. Initial findings revealed slight exceedances of noise code during DJ events, particularly in low-frequency bands (63–125 Hz). GZA recommendations include lowering the overall PA system volume by 3 dB and further reducing low-end frequencies by 3–4 dB.  GZA advised against equipment changes that could shift the noise problem elsewhere, instead focusing on optimizing existing sound system settings and verifying the integrity of glass barriers and apartment windows. 
 

Benefit

After implementing recommendations, follow-up monitoring confirmed that noise levels during events were brought into compliance, with only minor, ambient-level exceedances likely attributable to non-event sources. This project demonstrates how technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and collaborative problem-solving can deliver real-world benefits.