Lexington, KY Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Sec. " Unlike the tool, construction and loudspeaker clauses elsewhere in Sec. 14-72, this provision carries no time-of-day window; it applies around the clock, so a continuously-running air conditioning condenser, heat pump compressor or similar rotating mechanical equipment is covered whenever it creates a noise disturbance across a dwelling unit boundary, not just at night. "Noise disturbance" under Sec. 14-70 is sound that endangers or injures health or safety, or that "[a]nnoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities," and "dwelling unit boundary" reaches the wall, ceiling or floor between units, or the real property line for a detached home, so an HVAC unit's noise is measured at the neighbor's side of that boundary rather than by a fixed decibel table.

A homeowner or contractor who cannot bring rotating equipment into compliance may apply to the mayor's office for a special variance under Sec. 14-74 on grounds of unwarranted health hazard or unreasonable economic hardship, the same relief valve available for construction noise.