Noise Ordinances in Ames, IA (2026)
4 verified noise ordinances for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Barking Dogs
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Sec. 3.115(2) of the Ames Municipal Code declares it a nuisance to let a dog, cat or other animal bay, bark, whine or howl for prolonged periods in a way that unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. The rule sits alongside a broader ban on animal waste accumulation, property damage and molesting passersby in the same section.
Ames Barking Dog Nuisance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 3.115
Sec. 3.115. ANIMAL NUISANCE The following acts and circumstances are hereby declared to be nuisances and therefore prohibited. (1) The keeping of an animal on private property in such number or in such manner that allows for the accumulation of solid waste of such animal which becomes a detriment to or menace to the health of the animal, or an annoyance to humans. (2) Allowing any dog, cat ...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In the City of Ames, Iowa, anyone wanting relief from the Chapter 16 noise limits to run amplified sound, such as a concert or outdoor PA system, must apply in writing to the city manager under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 16.6, naming the devices, dates, times and expected attendance. Once granted, Sec. 16.7 caps the permitted sound on a sliding scale from 80 decibels for 24 hours down to 90 decibels for 90 minutes.
Ames Permits for Amplified Sound Events
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 16.6, Sec. 16.7
Sec. 16.6. PERMITS. Applications for a permit for relief from the provisions of this ordinance may be made to the city manager, or a duly authorized representative, pursuant to the following procedure: (1) All permits must be applied for in writing during normal business hours stating what devices are to be employed, where they are to be employed, on what date(s) and at what times of day they...
Decibel Limits
In the City of Ames, Iowa, sound measured at the property line or right-of-way is capped by neighborhood type under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 16.4(4)(c): 60 decibels in residential areas from 7 a.m. to midnight, dropping to 55 overnight, 65 in commercial and park or agricultural zones, and 80 in industrial areas. Exceeding these levels is unlawful and enforced under Chapter 16, Noise Control.
Ames Noise Limits by Zone and Time
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 16.4(4)(c)
(c) A sound measured or registered in excess of the maximum permitted levels according to the following table, is declared to be excessive and unusually loud and is unlawful. Neighborhood Characteristic Maximum Permitted Residential 60 between 7 a.m. to Midnight 55 between Midnight to 7 a.m. Commercial 65 Industrial 80 Park or Agriculturally Zoned 65
Vehicle Noise
In the City of Ames, Iowa, a motor vehicle operated on the public right-of-way cannot emit more than 75 decibels measured 25 feet away, under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 16.5. The same section bans modifying a vehicle's exhaust or other noise abatement equipment, including muffler cutouts and bypasses, so the vehicle is louder than it was as manufactured.
Ames Vehicle Noise Limit Is 75 dB
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 16.5
Sec. 16.5. VEHICLE NOISE LIMITS. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or for the owner to cause or permit to be operated within the public right-of-way in this city, any motor vehicle which emits a noise in excess of the dB(A) level established in this section. (1) The maximum allowable noise levels for motor vehicles shall be 75 dB (A) measured at a distance of twenty-five feet. .....
Looking for Story County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ames city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Story County →