Lafayette, LA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Measured where
- Inside complainant's residence
- Weeknight cap
- 3 dB(C) above ambient, 10pm-7am
- Weekend/other cap
- 5 dB(C) above ambient
- Meter setting
- "C" weighting, "fast" response
- Amplified sound violations
- Always classified as major
- Minimum fine
- $150.00 under § 34-370(f)
Summary
Lafayette lets its noise control officer measure rhythmic bass from an amplified sound system inside a complainant's residence, then caps it under City Code § 34-366(c) Table II at 3 dB(C) above ambient on weeknights between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 5 dB(C) above ambient on weekend nights and all other times.
If the source of sound is an amplified sound reproduction device, and the complainant states that the rhythmic bass component of the music is disturbing within the complainant's residence, the noise control officer may take sound level measurements within the residence of the complainant. No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any amplified source of sound in such a manner that it exceeds the total sound levels by the permissible sound levels limits set forth in Table II when measured within the residence of a complainant. ... dB(C) Above Ambient: Week nights 10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. / Weekend nights 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. / All other times: 3 dB(C) / 5 dB(C).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Section 34-366(c) of the noise control code addresses amplified sound reproduction devices, public-address systems, DJ setups, and similar equipment, specifically when a complainant says the rhythmic bass component of music is disturbing inside their home. In that situation, the noise control officer may take sound-level measurements inside the complainant's residence rather than at the property line, using a sound level meter set to 'C' weighting and 'fast' response, because the C-scale is more sensitive to the low-frequency content that carries bass. Measurements exclude casual-use rooms like hallways, closets, and bathrooms, and 'ambient' is defined as the level in the residence when the sound source under investigation is not prominent.
) and at all other times. The code notes a 5 dB rise reads as plainly louder to a listener and a 10 dB rise as roughly twice as loud, explaining why the nighttime threshold is set tighter than the daytime one. This provision applies citywide and parish-wide per § 34-363's applicability clause covering all property in Lafayette.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the Table II amplified-sound standard is enforced under § 34-370: the noise control officer classifies it as major or minor, but any violation involving a sound reproduction or amplification device is automatically treated as major and is not eligible for a correction period. A major violation is unlawful and punishable under the general penalty at § 1-9, modified so the minimum fine is $150.00 rather than the code's usual floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lafayette measure disturbing bass from a neighbor's speakers?
What's the actual bass noise limit in Lafayette?
Is a bass noise violation always treated as a major violation?
What's the penalty for violating Lafayette's amplified sound standard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette
Compare Lafayette to another location·View the Louisiana noise from specific sources overview
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