Vermilion Parish, LA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Vermilion Parish is one of the few places where the Police Jury's noise article measures bass inside the neighbor's house. Section 26-65(c) applies when the source 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 investigating officer can then take readings inside the residence, with the meter set for "C" weighting, fast response. Table II sets the limit as dB(C) above ambient: 3 dB(C) on week nights from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., 3 dB(C) on weekend nights from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 5 dB(C) at all other times.

The section defines ambient for this test as the level measured in the residence when the source is not prominent, or in a room on the same floor that is relatively unaffected by the source. Readings are not taken in areas that receive only casual use, such as hallways, closets and bathrooms. The section also explains that the C-scale is more sensitive to low frequency sound than the A-scale, that an increase of five dB is perceived as plainly louder, and that a ten-dB increase is perceived as twice as loud.

The definitions in section 26-63 explain the concern: low frequency sound waves travel farther and penetrate structures more efficiently than high frequency waves. "Plainly audible" is defined so that detecting the rhythmic bass component is enough to verify the sound, and section 26-66(b) says plainly audible sound does not require a meter. Section 26-64 applies the article to every property in the unincorporated area whatever its permitted use or zoning.