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

Tangipahoa Parish Code § 32-153(1)c, part of the Chapter 32 Article VI sound control rules adopted by Ord. No. 23-21 on April 24, 2023, lists specific acts the parish declared to create loud and raucous noise. Item (1)c covers the discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any stationary steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, or motorboat engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively and efficiently prevent loud noises. A standby or portable generator left running with unmuffled exhaust in the unincorporated parish falls squarely under this stationary-engine language.

The rule sits inside the parish's broader ban on loud and raucous noise that is offensive to persons of ordinary sensibilities in Section 32-153's opening paragraph, so a mufflered generator that still disturbs neighbors can still be cited under the general standard even if the muffler exception is met. The ordinance only reaches the unincorporated area; Hammond, Ponchatoula and the parish's other municipalities enforce their own codes for generator noise inside city limits. 00 fine, 30 days in jail, or 100 hours of community service.