Lenexa, KS Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Lenexa has no separate low-frequency rule. Bass is handled through the definition of Plainly Audible in Section 4-1-C-4-E-1-g of the Unified Development Code: capable of being heard, with no need to distinguish words or melodies, and a plainly audible sound may consist of bass alone. That definition feeds the prima facie violations in Section 4-1-C-4-E-3.

Two of those violations matter most for bass. Under E-3-c, a vehicle that is moving or stationary, standing or parked, whether or not anyone sits inside, cannot run a sound device that is plainly audible at least fifty feet from the source. Under E-3-e, playing any sound device so that it is plainly audible across a property boundary line between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a residential area is unlawful. Bass carries through walls and across lot lines, so the plainly audible test is the one that bites.

The covered equipment is broad. Section 4-1-C-4-E-1-j lists radio, television, phonograph, stereo, tape player, cassette player, compact disc player, boom box, loudspeaker, drum, jukebox, nickelodeon, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or any other device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound.

Proof does not need a meter. Section 4-1-C-4-E-4 accepts any combination of auditory confirmation by the Community Standards Officer with a follow-up written report, a written statement from the complainant, an audio recording, or a video recording or photograph of the source. The report must identify the source, the owner or tenant, the type of noise and the distance at which it was plainly audible.

The property owner, tenant or other person in control of residential property must not allow a noise disturbance and is responsible for abating it (Section 4-1-C-4-E-6).