Billings, MT Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Commercial day max
- 80 dB(A) (70 dB(A) average)
- Commercial night max
- 60 dB(A) (50 dB(A) average)
- Zone boundary rule
- lower adjoining limit applies
- Enforcement
- city-measured, civil infraction
Summary
Billings enforces numeric decibel limits on commercial noise sources, including bars and nightclubs, under its citywide noise chapter rather than a bar-specific ordinance.
The permissible noise exposure limits from non-exempt noise sources in residential, commercial and industrial districts are as provided in Table 1 below.(b)At boundaries between zones, the lower of the dB(A) level shall be applicable. Table 1—Limitations
Maximum Permissible Noise Limits Zone Day 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Night 8:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m.
Residential 65 dB(A) 55 dB(A) Commercial 80 dB(A) 60 dB(A) Industrial 90 dB(A) 80 dB(A) Average Permissible Noise Limits Zone Day 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Night
8:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. Residential 55 dB(A) 45 dB(A) Commercial 70 dB(A) 50 dB(A) Industrial 80 dB(A) 70 dB(A)
(c)Noise measured by trained and qualified city officials on a complainant's property in excess of the limits established for the zones and times in Table I above constitutes prima facie evidence that such noise is a public nuisance, except in circumstances as provided in sections 17-104 and 17-105, or if a waiver has been granted under section 17-107. (Ord. No. 13-5603, § 1, 5-28-13; Ord. No. 19-5728, § 2, 12-9-19)
Cross reference— Operation of loud sound amplification systems in motor vehicles, § 24-351 et seq.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Billings has no ordinance written specifically for bars or nightclubs; instead, Chapter 17's general noise limits apply to any commercial noise source. Commercial zones are capped at 80 dB(A) maximum / 70 dB(A) average by day (7 a.m.-8 p.m.) and 60 dB(A) maximum / 50 dB(A) average at night (8 p.m.-7 a.m.). Where a bar sits at a zone boundary, the lower adjoining limit governs, which pulls venues near residential areas down to the tighter residential cap. City officials measuring noise above these limits at a complainant's property line establish prima facie evidence of a public nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction with civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the noise can also be abated by court injunction as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a special noise rule just for Billings bars and nightclubs?
What decibel level can trigger a violation near a Billings bar at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana noise from specific sources overview
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