Noise from Specific Sources in New Orleans, LA (2026)
3 verified noise from specific sources rules for New Orleans, Louisiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
New Orleans HVAC/Fan Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 66-203(7)
Machinery, fans, and air conditioners. It shall be unlawful to operate or permit the operation of any stationary machinery, air-conditioners, air-handling equipment, fans, or similar devices in such a manner as to exceed Table 1 of the receiving land use categories when measured on receiving property. a. Stationary machinery, equipment, fans, and air conditioners shall have the following replac...
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.
New Orleans Bar & Nightclub Loudspeaker Rules
Significant RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 66-209
For commercial enterprises that hold a Class A alcoholic beverage permit so that they are lawfully permitted, whether a permanent or temporary permit, to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises: a. Loudspeaker(s) shall be located in the interior of the building and must be located at a distance greater or equal to ten feet from any exterior door, window, or other opening to the...
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.
New Orleans Amplified Sound & Bass Limit
Some RestrictionsNew Orleans Code of Ordinances § 66-203(3)a
It shall be unlawful to operate or play in any public right-of-way, public park, playground or recreational area, any musical instruments, radio, television, phonograph, tapeplayer, cassette player, compact disc player, or any sound device, including but not limited to loudspeakers or other devices reproducing or amplifying sound in such a manner, or with such volume, as to exceed an average of...