Bossier Parish, LA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Sec. 46-36(a)(7) of the parish noise ordinance targets exhaust noise directly: it declares the discharge of any process vent, high-velocity gas stream, high-pressure gas, forced-exhaust stream, steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor-driven vehicle or motorboat engine to be a loud, disturbing and unreasonable noise unless it passes through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud noise. A stationary internal combustion engine covers backup and portable generators used at homes, job sites and businesses. The provision works together with the parish's numeric sound-level table: Sec.

46-35 caps outdoor sound at a receiving property, for example 45 dBA (day) / 40 dBA (night) at a noise sensitive receiver and 50/45 dBA at a residential receiver, so a generator that is muffled can still violate the ordinance if it pushes sound above the applicable Table 1 limit or exceeds the background level by more than 7 dBA daytime or 5 dBA nighttime. Large or industrial generators tied to oil and gas sites, machine shops or similar facilities can additionally be classified as a 'regulated noise generator' under Sec. 46-36(m), requiring an approved noise management plan submitted to the parish's authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before operation begins.