Noise Ordinances in South Bend, IN (2026)
5 verified noise ordinances for South Bend, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Residential noise is capped at 55 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM and 62 dBA during the day under Sec. 13-82. Sec. 13-57 separately bars sound plainly audible 50 feet away, presumed a violation between 11 PM and 7 AM.
South Bend Quiet Hours & Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances Ch. 13, Sec. 13-82 (Stationary noises)
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause the sound pressure level to exceed the limits listed below at any point on the boundary of the property.
Construction Hours
Building erection, demolition, alteration, and repair are limited to 7 AM to 6 PM on weekdays under Sec. 13-57(c)(10). Work outside those hours requires an urgent-necessity permit from the Building Commissioner.
South Bend Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances Ch. 13, Sec. 13-57(c)(10)
The erection (including excavating), demolition, alteration or repair of any building, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety, and then only with a permit from the Building Commissioner.
Barking Dogs
Keeping any animal or bird that makes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing neighbors is a nuisance under Sec. 13-57(c)(5) and Sec. 13-81(c). Enforcement is complaint-based; no decibel reading or set number of minutes applies.
South Bend Barking Dog & Animal Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances Ch. 13, Sec. 13-57(c)(5)
The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long-continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.
Leaf Blower Rules
South Bend has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Sec. 13-83 exempts mechanically powered lawn and garden tools from the noise-limit article between 7 AM and 10 PM, so daytime use is allowed; overnight, the general nuisance rule applies.
South Bend Leaf Blower Rules
Few RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances Ch. 13, Sec. 13-83 (Exemptions and exceptions)
The use of mechanically powered lawn or garden tools, lawnmowers, snowblowers, air conditioning units, or construction tools or equipment are exempt from the provisions of this article, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified music that exceeds the 55/62 dBA property-line limits (Sec. 13-82) or is plainly audible 50 feet away (Sec. 13-57) is prohibited, and is presumed illegal overnight. Playing noncommercial music in public places requires a Board of Public Works permit.
South Bend Amplified Music & Party Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances Ch. 13, Sec. 13-57(c)(2)
or which is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located and unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of neighbors in residential or noise sensitive areas, including multifamily or single-family dwellings.
Looking for St. Joseph County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement South Bend city rules.
Noise Ordinances in St. Joseph County →