Springfield, MO Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 78-115(1)a
- Standard
- Unreasonably disturbs nearby dwellings/businesses
- Covers
- Bars, businesses, outdoor cafes
- Enforced by
- Springfield Police Department
- Adopted
- G.O. No. 6330, Jan. 2017
Summary
Springfield's noise code bars bars, restaurants and other commercial developments from running amplified sound systems loud enough to unreasonably disturb nearby dwellings or businesses, including outdoor cafes tied to the venue.
Operate an amplified sound system at a volume that unreasonably disturbs or alarms another person or persons within residential dwellings, businesses, or commercial developments. The term "within" shall include outdoor cafes associated with business or commercial developments; orb.Operate or permit the operation of the said sound amplification system in a manner to unreasonably disturb or interfere with any activity being held, or the enjoyment of such activity by its patrons, for which a special event or other permit has been obtained pursuant to other provisions of the City Code; orc.Operate the sound amplification system after 11:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. where the sound generated is plainly audible at a distance of 50 or more feet from the speakers of the system.(2)The provisions of this section shall not prohibit any activities specifically permitted or authorized by other provisions of the City Code. (G.O. No. 6330, § 3, 1-9-2017)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Springfield City Code § 78-115 prohibits any business or commercial development in the city from operating a sound amplification system at a volume that unreasonably disturbs or alarms people in nearby residential dwellings, businesses or commercial developments: the rule explicitly reaches outdoor cafes tied to a bar or restaurant. The same section separately bars running an amplified system after 11:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. if it's plainly audible 50 feet from the speakers. Springfield Police Department enforces the section; a violation is prosecuted under the City Code's general penalty provision, § 1-7.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 78-115 is a City Code offense punishable under the general penalty section, § 1-7; the city may pursue municipal prosecution for repeated or ongoing sound-system disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield limit noise from bars and nightclubs?
What's the penalty for a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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