Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Overland Park

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

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Governing definition: OPMC § 7.08.001, "Plainly Audible"
Bass alone qualifies: No words or melody needed
First-offense fine: Minimum $50
Enforcing agency: Overland Park Police Department
Adopted: Ord. NOI-2287, 2001

Summary

Overland Park does not need words or melody to prove a noise violation: its code defines a plainly audible sound as one that can simply be heard, and says outright that bass alone qualifies. That definition drives every time-based noise curfew in Chapter 7.08, so a subwoofer thumping through a wall is enough for a citation.

Plainly Audible- capable of being heard. It is not necessary to distinguish words or melodies. A plainly audible sound may consist of bass alone.

View official code

Full Breakdown

002 actually enforce against, since subsections C (construction), D (vehicle repair/testing), F (power tools) and G (amplified sound) all bar activity that causes a sound "Plainly Audible across any property boundary line" during their respective restricted hours. A to write a citation for bass bleeding from a car stereo, home theater, or party speaker after hours. If the bass is audible at the property line during the restricted window, it satisfies the Plainly Audible standard on its own, independent of the numeric dB(A) table that applies to non-exempted, non-time-restricted sources. The definition was adopted by Ordinance NOI-2287 in 2001 and has not been amended since. 005.

Violations & Fines

A first conviction under Chapter 7.08 draws a fine of at least $50; a second conviction within 24 months, at least $150; a third or subsequent conviction, at least $250. Fines above $200 combined from one set of facts may be suspended for 12 months if there are no repeat violations, and the Court may also impose up to six months in jail. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be cited for bass even if no lyrics are audible?

Yes. Overland Park's code defines Plainly Audible as capable of being heard without needing to distinguish words or melodies, and states directly that a plainly audible sound may consist of bass alone, so muffled bass thumping through a wall satisfies the standard on its own.

Do police need a decibel meter to cite bass noise?

Not for time-restricted activities. Sections 7.08.002.C, D, F and G bar sounds that are Plainly Audible across a property line during set hours regardless of measured decibels; the dB(A) table in 7.08.002.A only applies to sources not otherwise time-restricted or exempted.

What hours does the bass/amplified-sound curfew cover?

Section 7.08.002.G bars amplified sound Plainly Audible across a property line between midnight and 6 a.m. Outside those hours it is instead measured against the area/time dB(A) table in Section 7.08.002.A.

Sources & Official References

[1]Overland Park Municipal Code § 7.08.001

Other rules in Overland Park

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome Restrictions

All Overland Park rules

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