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Davenport, IA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

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

Amplified music rules in Davenport, 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

Night Rule
No disturbance across line
Day Limit
55 dBA into residential
Vehicle Audio
No disturbance at 50 ft
Venues
Warning sign over 90 dBA
Event Variance
City Council, Sec. 8.19.090

Summary

Amplified music, radios, and PA systems cannot create a noise disturbance across a property line at night or exceed the 55 dBA daytime residential limit. Public venues over 90 dBA must post a hearing-warning sign. Events need a council variance.

Operating, playing, or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound in any place of public entertainment at a sound level greater than ninety dBA.

Source: Davenport Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).

Full Breakdown

Section 8.19.070(A) covers radios, instruments, and sound-amplifying devices; Sec. 8.19.070(B) covers loudspeakers and public-address systems. Both prohibit creating a noise disturbance across a real property boundary during nighttime hours (10 PM to 7 AM) and require daytime compliance with the Table 1 limits in Sec. 8.19.110 (55 dBA into residential). Sound from a device in a vehicle cannot be a disturbance at 50 feet. Places of public entertainment exceeding 90 dBA must post a warning sign about permanent hearing impairment (Sec. 8.19.070(G)). Special-event variances are granted by the City Council under Sec. 8.19.090.

Violations & Fines

Simple misdemeanor under Sec. 8.19.170: $25 to $100 fine and up to 30 days jail, each day a separate offense. The environmental officer may order an immediate halt for extreme continuous levels (Sec. 8.19.150).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a backyard party with a PA?
A private party needs no permit but must stay within noise limits. For an event exceeding them, apply for a City Council variance under Sec. 8.19.090 at least 30 days ahead.
How loud can a bar's music be?
A place of public entertainment over 90 dBA must post a hearing-damage warning sign at the entrance under Sec. 8.19.070(G).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Davenport

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Holiday DisplaysFew RestrictionsSign Regulations: Garage Sale SignsSome Restrictions

All Davenport rules

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