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St. Louis, MO Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential (A-E) daytime cap
55 dB(A) at property line
Residential (A-E) nighttime cap
50 dB(A) at property line
Commercial (F-G) daytime cap
65 dB(A)
Generator exemption
None, not in § 15.51.040 list
Penalty
$100-$500 fine, up to 90 days jail

Summary

St. Louis regulates generators as "stationary noise sources." Measured at the property line, they can't exceed 55 dB(A) by day and 50 dB(A) at night in residential zoning districts, with higher caps in commercial and industrial areas.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated any stationary noise source which emits noise in such a manner that the level of the noise emitted, when measured at any point outside the boundary of the property upon which the stationary noise source is located using the slow meter characteristic and the A-weighting network of the sound level meter, exceeds the levels set forth in Table I below or exceeds the limit set forth in this chapter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

Under Revised Code § 15.51.030, any stationary noise source, which the code defines broadly enough to cover a generator, is measured at the property boundary with an A-weighted sound level meter. Table I sets tiered dB(A)/duration limits by zoning district: Districts A-E (residential) cap at 55 dB(A) daytime, 50 dB(A) nighttime for continuous operation; F-G (commercial) allow 65/60; H-I (industrial) allow 70 all hours; J-K (unrestricted) allow 80 all hours. Unlike construction equipment and lawn mowers, generators aren't listed among the § 15.51.040 exceptions, so a running generator must stay under its district's limit or the owner is in violation.

Violations & Fines

Health Commissioner issues a written notice giving up to 60 days to abate (extendable with an abatement plan). Unabated violations go to the City Counselor for prosecution; each day is a separate offense. Conviction carries a $100-$500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail (§ 15.51.090).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are generators exempt from St. Louis noise limits?
No. Section 15.51.040 exempts construction devices, lawn equipment, and residential HVAC/AC units, but generators aren't on that list, so they must meet the Table I stationary-noise-source limits.
How is generator noise measured in St. Louis?
At any point outside the property boundary where the generator sits, using the A-weighting network and slow meter setting of a sound level meter, per § 15.51.030(A).
Who enforces this and how do I report a loud generator?
The Health Commissioner (Department of Health) issues notices of violation; unresolved cases go to the City Counselor for prosecution under Chapter 15.51.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

Car Alarm LimitsFew RestrictionsHVAC & Mechanical NoiseLight RestrictionsBar & Nightclub NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All St. Louis rules

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