Jackson County, MO Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Where it applies
- residential/noise-sensitive areas
- Enforcement
- Sheriff's Office
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 1 year jail
- Kansas City
- has its own separate code
Summary
Jackson County bans running a blower, power fan, or internal combustion engine, including generators, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential or noise-sensitive areas if it's unreasonably loud and audible past the property line.
l. Blowers, and Similar Devices: In residential or noise sensitive areas, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan, or any internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, provided that the noise is unreasonably loud and raucous and can be heard across the property line of the property from which it emanates.
m. Commercial Establishments Adjacent to Residential Property: Unreasonably loud and raucous noise from the premises of any commercial establishment, including any outdoor area which is part of or under the control of the establishment, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. which is plainly audible at a distance of five (5) feet from any residential property. (Ord. 3494, Eff.
Full Breakdown
Jackson County Code § 5564(l) prohibits operating any noise-creating blower, power fan, or internal combustion engine, the category that covers portable and standby generators, in residential or noise-sensitive areas between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if the engine noise from exploding operating gases or fluids is unreasonably loud and raucous and can be heard across the property line. The Sheriff's Office enforces the chapter under § 5566, and § 5500 makes it apply countywide, but Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown and Grandview each run their own separate municipal noise codes that residents there must check instead.
Violations & Fines
Violating the noise chapter is a petty offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in the county jail, or both, per Jackson County Code § 5520.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a generator overnight in unincorporated Jackson County?
Does this rule apply inside Kansas City?
Who enforces the generator noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson County
Compare Jackson County to another location·View the Missouri noise from specific sources overview
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