Evansville, IN Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- Airport Overlay Zone (AIR-O) only
- Noise bands
- DNL 60, 65, 70, 75 dBA
- Sound reduction
- At least 25-30 dB required
- Existing buildings
- Grandfathered as of 2023 ordinance
- Enforced by
- Evansville-Vanderburgh Area Plan Commission
Summary
Evansville zoning maps four noise-sensitive contours (DNL 60/65/70/75 dBA) around Evansville Regional Airport and bars or restricts residential, institutional, and other uses inside them unless sound-level-reduction construction is met.
This section applies to parcels within the following four established noise sensitive areas around the airport as shown on the most recent version of the noise exposure contour map:
(a) DNL 75 dBA noise impact area.
(b) DNL 70 dBA noise impact area.
(c) DNL 65 dBA noise impact area.
(d) DNL 60 dBA noise impact area.
(2) Noise sensitive areas are based on projected yearly averaged, 24-hour day/night average noise level (DNL) impact projections arising from aircraft flight operations. The boundaries of these areas are shown on the most recent noise exposure contour map, which can be obtained from the airport.
(3) The Table – Noise and Land Use Compatibility in this section indicates whether various land uses are allowed within the four noise impact areas at the airport.
(4) The boundaries of the noise impact area may change due to future updates of the noise exposure contour map. Upon approval of any new updated map, the airport shall provide a copy of the map to the Planning Department for documentation of the new noise impact area boundaries.
(B) Noise Sensitive Area Sound Level Reduction Requirements. Buildings that exist and uses that are in operation at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter do not require conformance to these provisions, except as specifically provided below.
(C) Table – Noise and Land Use Compatibility.
Land Use
Yearly day-night average sound level (DNL) in decibels
60
65
70
75
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Evansville Municipal Code § 18.118.100 applies only within the Airport Overlay Zone (AIR-O) and divides the area into four day-night average sound level (DNL) noise-sensitive bands, 60, 65, 70, and 75 dBA, shown on the airport's noise exposure contour map. A Land Use Compatibility table marks each land-use group 'Y' (allowed), a conditional 'Y' requiring added sound level reduction, or 'N' (not compatible) for each band; under EMC 18.118.110(B), a use marked 'N' is prohibited outright unless the applicable noise level reduction requirement is met. A code footnote (derived from FAA Part 150 guidance) calls for outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction of at least 25 dB generally, 30 dB for the most sensitive uses. Buildings and uses already operating when the ordinance passed in 2023 are grandfathered.
Violations & Fines
Uses marked 'N' in the noise-compatibility table are prohibited outright in that DNL band; the Area Plan Commission enforces this through the improvement location permit process and can withhold or condition permits for noncompliant development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evansville restrict new homes near the airport?
What if my building predates the noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
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