Columbus, IN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Subsection G of § 8.28.040 in the Columbus Municipal Code, part of the Common Council's noise chapter for the City of Columbus in Bartholomew County, Indiana, governs amplified sound. It prohibits using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, or other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound that is cast upon the public streets, except as authorized by the city. The trigger is sound cast upon the public streets, and the verbs include permitting, so the person who allows a device to run is covered along with the person who operates it.

The code prints no decibel limit and no cutoff hour for amplified music. Authorization comes from the city, so an event organizer or business planning amplified sound toward a street needs the city's authorization before it starts. The chapter defines a musical instrument as any object or device for producing musical sounds, including percussion, wind, stringed and electronic instruments.

Subsection H covers musical instruments or devices used for the purpose or creation of noise other than as authorized by the city. Its one named exception is performance for extracurricular academic competitions, practices or events. Subsection I adds a time rule for voices: loud and excessive yelling, shouting, whistling or singing on the public streets between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of others.

Section 8.28.030 backs these subsections with a general ban on loud, unnecessary, unusual or raucous noise within the city limits. Complaints go to the police department or code enforcement office under § 8.28.050(A). A person who makes unreasonable noise and keeps going after an officer asks them to stop is in violation of disorderly conduct under I.C. 35-45-1-3(a)(2).