New Orleans's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In New Orleans, Louisiana, there are 7 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.

Decibel Limits

New Orleans sets specific decibel limits by zoning district under Chapter 66 of the Municipal Code. Residential districts allow approximately 60 dB(A) daytime and 55 dB(A) nighttime, with the French Quarter Vieux Carre districts subject to special standards reflecting their unique mix of entertainment and residential use.

Key details: : Residential daytime limit approximately 60 dB(A). : Residential nighttime limit approximately 55 dB(A). : Commercial limits 70-75 dB(A) daytime. : Vieux Carre districts have specialized standards. : Measurements taken at receiving property line.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Industrial Noise

Industrial noise in New Orleans is regulated under Chapter 66 of the Municipal Code, with decibel limits varying by zoning district. Industrial operations along the Mississippi River, port facilities, and manufacturing plants must keep noise within established property line limits, with stricter standards near residential boundaries.

Key details: : Regulated under Chapter 66 of the Municipal Code. : Limits vary by receiving zoning district. : Industrial-to-residential property line typically 60-65 dB(A) daytime. : Impulsive sounds like pile driving subject to lower limits. : Port and river industries must comply except where federally preempted.

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music in New Orleans is regulated under Chapter 66 of the Municipal Code, with special rules for the French Quarter (Vieux Carre) where stricter decibel limits apply. Sound from speakers, PA systems, and live venues must not exceed posted limits at the property line, and the city has an active sound enforcement unit responding to violations.

Key details: : Regulated under Chapter 66, Article IV of the Municipal Code. : French Quarter (Vieux Carre) has stricter decibel limits than other areas. : VCE district daytime limit is approximately 70 dB(A) at property line. : Residential nighttime limit is approximately 60 dB(A). : Special events require permits from Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. New Orleans actively enforces its amplified music & events requirements.

Leaf Blower Rules

New Orleans does not impose a citywide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, but operators must comply with the general noise ordinance in Chapter 66 of the Municipal Code. Construction and landscaping equipment are restricted during nighttime hours, and excessive noise complaints are handled through NOLA 311 and the Department of Safety and Permits.

Key details: : No citywide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in New Orleans. : Construction and landscaping equipment restricted between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.. : Regulated under Chapter 66, Article IV of the Municipal Code. : Complaints handled through NOLA 311 (504-658-2299). : French Quarter and historic districts have heightened noise sensitivity.

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise around Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Lakefront Airport is regulated by federal aviation authorities, not by city ordinance. The City of New Orleans maintains a noise abatement program in coordination with the FAA, and residents can submit complaints through the airport noise office.

Key details: : Aircraft operations are regulated by the FAA, not by New Orleans. : Louis Armstrong International (MSY) operates a voluntary noise abatement program. : Complaints submitted through the airport noise office. : Lakefront Airport handles general aviation and corporate flights. : Helicopter operations also subject to FAA control.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [New Orleans code enforcement](https://flymsy.com/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find New Orleans gives residents more flexibility on aircraft noise.

Outdoor Music

Outdoor music, including street performers and second line parades, is part of the cultural fabric of New Orleans and is regulated under Chapter 30 (street performers) and Chapter 66 (noise) of the Municipal Code. Street musicians have established hours and locations, while second line parades require permits from the city.

Key details: : Street performers regulated under Chapters 30 and 66. : French Quarter performance hours approximately 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. : Amplified street performance more heavily restricted than acoustic. : Second line parades require permits from Mayor's Office of Special Events. : Special event permits can grant temporary noise exemptions.

Quiet Hours

City Code Ch. 66, Art. IV defines nighttime quiet hours as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends. In residential receiving zones, Sec. 66-202 caps sound at roughly 60 dBA L10 / 70 dBA Lmax during the day and 55 dBA L10 / 60 dBA Lmax at night, measured at the receiving property line.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 66, Art. IV. Weekday Quiet Hours: 10pm-7am. Weekend Quiet Hours: 10pm-8am. Residential Night Cap: 55 dBA L10.

Under Sec. 66-138, violations of Article IV are misdemeanors. On conviction, a violator may be fined in an amount up to that authorized by applicable state law and/or imprisoned for up to 90 days, with each day a continuing violation occurs treated as a separate offense. Police or health department officers may issue an immediate cease-and-desist order on the scene, and equipment used to generate prohibited noise can be subject to seizure on a repeat-offense basis. Separately, La. R.S. 14:103 disturbing-the-peace charges carry fines up to $100 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days for general offenses, with elevated penalties (up to $500 fine and 6 months) for funeral-related conduct under subsections (A)(7) and (A)(8). Civil nuisance abatement and Alcoholic Beverage Control review are also available against repeat-offending bars and venues.

The Bottom Line

New Orleans'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 New Orleans is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects New Orleans's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.