Olathe, KS Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime hours covered
- 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Prima facie distance
- 50 feet from source
- Bass named explicitly
- Included sound source
- Second offense fine
- $500–$1,000
Summary
Olathe's noise ordinance names bass reverberations directly, and treats late-night sound plainly audible fifty feet away or at the adjacent property line, including from bass, as automatic evidence of a violation.
A violation of this section which occurs between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) or more feet from the sound source or plainly audible at the adjacent property line, whether such adjacent property consists of single or multifamily dwellings, including, but not limited to, multiple-unit dwellings, apartments, high-density residential districts, hotels, motels and other places of temporary housing or lodging, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. “Plainly audible” shall mean any sound which can be heard at a distance of fifty feet (50') or more by the auditory senses. Words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations are an included sound source.
(D) Upon a first conviction, unlawful noise disturbance is a Class C public offense punishable by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than thirty (30) days, or by both such fine or imprisonment.
(E) Upon a second or subsequent conviction, unlawful noise disturbance is a Class B public offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days, or by both such fine or imprisonment. (Ord. 17-43 § 1, 2017; Ord. 09-31 § 1, 2009; Ord. 83-75 § 2, 1983.)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-39, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Olathe Municipal Code § 9.11.150(C) sets a prima facie test for unlawful noise disturbance between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.: if a sound is plainly audible fifty feet or more from its source, or at the adjacent property line, that alone is evidence of a violation. The section specifically states words need not be discernible and that bass reverberations count as an included sound source, so a subwoofer or car stereo thumping through walls at night qualifies even if lyrics aren't intelligible. A first conviction is a Class C offense ($50–$500 fine or up to 30 days jail); a second or later conviction jumps to Class B ($500–$1,000 fine or up to 180 days jail).
Violations & Fines
First offense: Class C public offense, $50–$500 fine or up to 30 days in jail. Second or later offense: Class B public offense, $500–$1,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail, or both, under § 9.11.150(D)-(E).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the music have to be understandable to count as a violation?
Does the 50-foot rule apply during the day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olathe
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Low-Frequency Bass Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle low-frequency bass limits.