Cedar Rapids, IA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Cedar Rapids, IA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 56.02(f)
- Standard
- Sound creating a 'noise disturbance'
- Exempt
- Carillons, parades, sanctioned races
- McGrath Amphitheatre
- Exempt until 11:30 p.m., May-Oct
- Penalty
- Municipal infraction, Iowa Code § 364.22
Summary
Playing a radio, TV, stereo, or other amplified sound equipment loud enough to create a "noise disturbance" - exceeding Chapter 56's decibel limits at a neighboring property - is banned citywide under Municipal Code § 56.02(f).
(f)Radios, Televisions, Phonographs, etc. No person shall operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound at a sound level which creates a noise disturbance. Church or clock carillons, bells or chimes; parades or processions, provided the conditions of the permit are met; mobile radio or telephone signal devices; and sanctioned racing events, are all excepted from the provisions of this subsection.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection to the contrary, no event, performance or use of the McGrath Amphitheatre Cedar Rapids held between May 1 and October 31 shall be a violation of this section until after 11:30 p.m., provided said event, performance or use shall have been arranged for by the official City of Cedar Rapids' manager for McGrath Amphitheatre Cedar Rapids.
(g)Lawnmowing Equipment. No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a power lawn mower, power trimmer or other gasoline or electric powered device intended for mowing or trimming a lawn between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).
Full Breakdown
Section 56.02(f) of the Cedar Rapids noise chapter bars operating or permitting the operation of a radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device that creates a "noise disturbance," defined by reference to the § 56.01 Table 1 decibel ceilings (60/50 dBA residential, 65 dBA commercial, 75 dBA industrial). Church carillons and bells, permitted parades, mobile radio/telephone signals, and sanctioned racing events are exempted. Events at the McGrath Amphitheatre held May 1 through October 31 get a carve-out: they are not a violation until after 11:30 p.m., as long as the City's official amphitheater manager arranged the event.
Violations & Fines
Creating a noise disturbance under § 56.02(f) is a municipal infraction under § 1.12, enforced under Iowa Code § 364.22 upon a resident's complaint or an officer's independent observation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited for loud music at home in Cedar Rapids?
Does the McGrath Amphitheatre have to follow the noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Rapids
Compare Cedar Rapids to another location·View the Iowa noise ordinances overview
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