How New Orleans Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide
New Orleans maintains 139 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where New Orleans falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Commercial enterprises in the Vieux Carré Historic and Central Business Districts must keep loudspeakers inside the building and away from doors and windows, with tighter distance rules for bars holding a Class A alcohol permit. Violations cost up to $500 per instance.
Key details: Applies in: Vieux Carré & Central Business Districts. Non-Class-A setback: 20 feet from exterior openings. Class A permit setback: 10 feet, or openings closed. First-violation fine: up to $500.00. Repeat-violation fine: $500.00 each, within 12 months.
Under section 66-209(d), a first violation draws a fine up to $500.00. A second violation, and any further violation within 12 months of the first, carries a flat $500.00 fine for each instance. Each responsible party listed in subsection (b), owner, manager, volume-control operator, licensee or the enterprise itself, can be cited separately.
Compared to other cities, New Orleans takes a harder line on bar & nightclub noise. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
New Orleans caps amplified music, radios and similar sound devices at an average of 80 decibels measured 50 feet from the source in any public right-of-way, park, playground or recreation area. Police or the Health Department can order violators to stop immediately.
Key details: Public-space sound cap: 80 dBA average at 50 feet. Weeknight quiet hours (house-to-house): 9:00 p.m.–10:00 a.m.. Weekend quiet hours: 10:30 p.m. Fri/Sat–10:00 a.m.. Enforcing agencies: NOPD or Dept. of Health. Max criminal penalty: 90 days jail plus fine.
A first violation of section 66-140 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to the maximum authorized under state law, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both; each day of continued violation is a separate offense. The city may also seek injunctive relief or a restraining order under section 66-141 to abate the operation of the offending equipment regardless of the criminal penalty.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
New Orleans bars stationary air conditioners, air-handling equipment, fans or similar machinery from exceeding Table 1's land-use noise limits measured on the neighbor's property. Older non-compliant units get a phased replacement window of six months to two years, based on age.
Key details: Measured at: Receiving (neighboring) property. Grace, units 10+ yrs old: 6 months to comply. Grace, units 5-10 yrs old: 1 year to comply. Grace, units under 5 yrs: 2 years to comply. Alternative to replacement: Other reasonable noise-reduction measures allowed.
A stationary air conditioner, fan or similar machinery exceeding Table 1 limits on the neighbor's property must come into compliance within the Sec. 66-203(7)a grace period (6 months to 2 years by unit age); missing that deadline exposes the owner to the Sec. 66-140 misdemeanor penalty: fine up to the state-law maximum, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, per day.
The Bottom Line
New Orleans's noise from specific sources 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.
This guide is based on New Orleans's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.