Cheyenne's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Barking Dogs

Cheyenne bans letting a dog or other animal bark, whine or howl excessively, continuously or at odd hours if it disturbs a neighborhood's peace.

Key details: Governing section: City Code 6.08.070. First offense: Written warning. Repeat offense: Misdemeanor charge. Warning window: 12 months. Enforced by: Animal control / police.

First violation: written warning only. A second violation within 12 months of that warning is a misdemeanor under City Code 1.24.010's general penalty.

Decibel Limits

Cheyenne caps noise at 80 decibels on the A-weighted scale, measured at least 25 feet from the source; heavy trucks of 10,000 pounds or more get an 88-decibel threshold on truck routes and during set daytime hours elsewhere.

Key details: General limit: 80 decibels, A-weighted scale. Heavy truck limit: 88 decibels, 10,000+ lb vehicles. Measurement distance: 25 feet from the noise source. Maximum penalty: $750 fine, misdemeanor. Relief permit fee: $15, issued by city clerk.

Exceeding 80 dB (88 dB for heavy trucks) violates 8.56.010, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $750; measurement isn't required if the noise is unusually loud by ear.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Cheyenne bans loudspeakers, sound cars, and sound trucks on streets, alleys, or public property without written permission from the police chief and a $15 noise permit.

Key details: Permit needed: Written police chief permission required. Permit cost: $15 through city clerk. Noise limit: 80 dB measured at 25 feet. Max fine: $750 misdemeanor fine. Governs: Streets, alleys, public property.

Operating loudspeakers or sound trucks without the police-chief permit violates 8.56.070; general excessive-noise violations under 8.56.010 are a misdemeanor with fines up to $750.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cheyenne actively enforces its amplified music & outdoor sound requirements.

Vehicle Noise

Cheyenne requires a working muffler on every vehicle and bans unreasonable noise, including loud stereos, revving, and tire squealing, under City Code 10.24.200.

Key details: Governing section: City Code 10.24.200. Muffler required: At all times, in working order. Stereo/audio noise: Named enforcement factor. First-offense fine: $100-$200. 3rd offense penalty: Up to $500 or 6 months jail.

Misdemeanor: $100-$200 fine (1st offense); $250-$300 (2nd within 12 months); $400-$500 or up to 6 months jail, or both, for a 3rd+ offense within 12 months, with mandatory municipal court appearance.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Cheyenne's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.