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Noise Ordinances in St. Louis, MO (2026)

8 verified noise ordinances for St. Louis, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Quiet Hours

St. Louis enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under the St. Louis Revised Code (SLRC) Chapter 15.42. Sound that is plainly audible beyond 50 feet of a dwelling during those hours is presumptively unreasonable and can trigger a citation from the Citizens Service Bureau or SLMPD.

Noise: Quiet Hours

Some Restrictions

Construction Hours

Construction noise in St. Louis is generally permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday and holiday work requiring special permission. SLRC 15.42 prohibits construction impact noise outside these hours in residential zones.

Noise: Construction Hours

Some Restrictions

Barking Dogs

Habitual barking is prohibited under SLRC Chapter 10 (Animal Care and Control) and Chapter 15.42 noise rules. A dog that barks continuously for 15 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes can trigger a citation from Animal Care and Control.

Noise: Barking Dogs

Some Restrictions

Leaf Blower Rules

St. Louis does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Gas and electric blowers are allowed during general construction hours of 7 AM to 7 PM under SLRC 15.42, but must not exceed plainly-audible thresholds at night.

Noise: Leaf Blowers

Few Restrictions

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music in St. Louis is regulated under SLRC 15.42 and the Outdoor Entertainment Permit rules. Sound plainly audible at 50 feet after 10 PM is prohibited; outdoor venues in The Grove, Soulard, and Washington Avenue require sound permits.

Noise: Amplified Music

Some Restrictions

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is preempted by the FAA under 49 USC 40103. The Lambert Noise Abatement Program mitigates impacts in affected neighborhoods including Bridgeton, Berkeley, and parts of North City.

Noise: Aircraft Noise

Few Restrictions

Industrial Noise

Commercial noise from loading docks, HVAC, refrigeration, and delivery operations in St. Louis is regulated under SLRC 15.42.070. Mixed-use zones near the Central West End and downtown have stricter decibel caps at the residential property line.

Noise: Commercial Noise

Some Restrictions

Vehicle Noise

Vehicle noise in St. Louis is regulated under SLRC Chapter 17 and state RSMo 307.170. Modified exhaust, loud stereos, and engine revving are prohibited. SLMPD Traffic Division actively enforces on Kingshighway, Gravois, and downtown.

Noise: Vehicle Noise

Some Restrictions

RSMo § 307.170

307.170. Other equipment of motor vehicles — violations, penalty. — 1. Signaling devices: Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a horn, directed forward, or whistle in good working order, capable of emitting a sound adequate in quantity and volume to give warning of the approach of such vehicle to other users of the highway and to pedestrians. Such signaling device shall be used for warnin...