Noise Ordinances in Story County, IA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Story County, Iowa.
Verified from official government sources
Barking Dogs
In unincorporated Story County, a dog's prolonged or incessant howling, whining, or barking counts as a "nuisance" under the county's animal control code, and it is unlawful for an owner to let an animal cause that disturbance. The Story County Animal Control Department investigates complaints, and repeat nuisance calls can trigger a court-ordered restraint on the owner's property.
Story County Barking Dog Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsStory County Code of Ordinances § 45.02
15. “Nuisance” means any of the following acts by an animal: ... ... B. Prolonged or incessant howling, whining, barking, or making of other sounds common to its species.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Story County doesn't set a countywide decibel limit for amplified sound, but any special event in the unincorporated county must submit an amplified sound plan under Code of Ordinances § 83.06(1)(Q), covering speaker locations and start and end times, and reviewing agencies can restrict hours in residential areas under § 83.06(3)(A).
Amplified Sound Rules for County Events
Some RestrictionsStory County Code of Ordinances § 83.06(1)(Q), (3)(A)
Q. Plans for use of amplified sound, location of speakers, start and ending times. ... layout of public address system/speakers, hours and time (restrictions may be imposed in residential areas) and site plan sketch showing proposed use of property including tents or other structures or related items.
All Story County ordinances
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