Noise Ordinances in Polk County, IA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Polk County, Iowa.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Unincorporated Polk County has no countywide decibel-based quiet-hours ordinance. Noise is handled as a nuisance and, for zoned uses, must not be excessive at the lot line. Inside Des Moines, Ankeny, or other cities, the city's noise ordinance and its nighttime quiet hours apply.
Quiet hours in unincorporated Polk County
Some RestrictionsPolk County Zoning Ordinance, Public Services performance standard
No odor, noise, glare, vibration, dust or electrical interference shall be excessive at the lot lines.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Outdoor events in unincorporated Polk County must meet the Polk County Noise Ordinance and obtain a sound permit if required, per the zoning code. Everyday amplified music is governed by the lot-line noise standard and nuisance rules; cities set their own amplified-sound limits.
Amplified music and sound permits in Polk County
Some RestrictionsPolk County Zoning Ordinance, outdoor event use conditions
The event(s) shall meet the Polk County Noise Ordinance requirements and obtain a sound permit if necessary.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft-in-flight noise is regulated federally by the FAA, not by Polk County. The county's zoning code references a 75-decibel noise cone defined by the Iowa DOT around airports and may require additional berm buffering to reduce airport noise. Des Moines International Airport is the metro's hub.
Aircraft noise in Polk County, Iowa
Some RestrictionsPolk County Zoning Ordinance, airport use standards
the 75 decibel noise cone as defined by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Decibel Limits
Industrial and utility uses in unincorporated Polk County must keep noise from being excessive at the lot line, and heavy-industrial and extractive/disposal uses require conditional-use permits with noise-abatement plans. Home occupations must produce no noise detectable at the property line.
Industrial noise limits in Polk County
Some RestrictionsPolk County Zoning Ordinance, Home Occupations criteria
No odor, noise, vibration, dust and electrical interference shall be detectable at the property line.
Noise Ordinances by City in Polk County
1 cities in Polk County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Polk County ordinances
See every category we cover for Polk County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Polk County Ordinance Hub →