Lafayette Parish, LA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 3 dB(C) above ambient
- Daytime/other limit
- 5 dB(C) above ambient
- Measured
- inside complainant's residence
- Minimum fine
- $150.00 per violation
- Applies in
- Lafayette city and unincorporated parish
Summary
Bars and nightclubs in Lafayette Parish can't push amplified music more than 3 dB(C) above ambient at night, or 5 dB(C) daytime, measured inside a neighbor's home.
No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any amplified source of sound in such a manner that it exceeds the total sound levels by the permissible sound levels limits set forth in Table II when measured within the residence of a complainant... Examples of amplified sound reproduction devices, include but are not limited to, sound systems which augment music or voices such as those used for public announcements or as utilized by disc jockeys in playing music.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
The noise control code caps amplified sound, the disc-jockey and music-system sources typical of bars and nightclubs, under Table II of Sec. 34-366(c). Measured with a C-weighted sound level meter inside the complaining resident's home, amplified sound can't exceed ambient by more than 3 dB(C) between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weeknights or 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. weekends, and 5 dB(C) at all other times. The code applies in both the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish, but not in Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville or Milton.
Violations & Fines
Noise control officers or any law enforcement officer with jurisdiction can cite a venue on the spot. Under Sec. 34-370(f), violations are punishable under Sec. 1-9(c) with a minimum fine of $150.00 (up to $500.00 and six months, each day a separate offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to bars outside Lafayette city limits?
How is bar noise actually measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana noise from specific sources overview
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