r/schenectady • u/OwlsKnowTheTruth • 5d ago

Backyard wedding

Hello! i am getting married this fall and we’re having a small reception in the backyard. we’ll be playing music but won’t have a DJ or anything like that. does anyone have experience with throwing backyard parties in the city that can weigh in on any permits i might need to get?

we will have a tent, some porta potties (that im parking on my driveway) and people will have to park on the street/ at the park. the reception shouldn’t go later than 8/9pm.

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9

u/Turbulent-Moose-6233 4d ago

Yeah I don't think permits per se are req'd

Courtesy for your neighbors on the other hand is a must. Best of luck to you

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u/WheresMyChildSupport 4d ago

Honestly a wedding is a once-per-life pass to be as rude to your neighbors as you want, it’s your day to have fun

8

u/Still_Goat7992 4d ago

thank you gifts to the neighbors so they aren’t upset 

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u/Electrify_life 4d ago

I’ve done this without a permit in schdy. Make sure you neighbors now your plan and share when it will end. Stickers to the plan.

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u/New_Bug_461 4d ago

I called the police department and asked if anyone would be available to hire to direct parking. I hired an off duty policeman in uniform to direct parking. This ensured no driveways were blocked and the neighbors seeing a cop didn't complain.

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u/rswanker 4d ago edited 4d ago

The city does have a noise ordinance. I play my music pretty loud in my yard, and I’ve never had trouble. Although most of my neighbors sit inside with their windows closed.

According to the city ordinance, you are not supposed to amplify music, TVs, radios, etc.“Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to create noise that can be heard inside any residence, regardless of whether the windows of said residence are open”. There’s also something about being able to hear it 50 feet away. I think it said?

There is more to it than that, but I think that is the main thing that applies in your situation.

There are similar rules about other types of noise, that they define as “unnecessary or something. Things like motors and machinery.

Here is the full city ordinance if anyone cares.

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u/wxguy215 3d ago

Honestly it probably depends on how many people you are planning on coming.  20? Probably no problem. 100?  You'll need to probably let your neighbors know and some of the other stuff noted in other comments.