Hendricks County, IN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Hendricks County, IN, 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 hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. only
- 1st offense fine
- Up to $100 plus costs
- 2nd offense fine
- Up to $250 plus costs
- 3rd+ offense fine
- Up to $500 plus costs
- Enforcing agency
- County Sheriff's Department
- Exemptions
- Farm, construction, school, fireworks noise
Summary
In unincorporated Hendricks County, any device or activity producing unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise is a declared public nuisance between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The County Sheriff enforces the rule, and fines climb with repeat violations under § 94.99.
(B) Certain conditions. The following conditions within this chapter are as declared to be nuisances: any device or otherwise, any unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise; or any noise of a character, intensity, or duration as to be detrimental to the life, health, safety, peace, comfort, repose, or general welfare of any individual. (C) Other provision. This section is only effective from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-3: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-50, passed 12-10-2024; and State law current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
" There is no separate decibel meter standard or amplified-sound permit in the county code; the test is whether the noise is unreasonably loud, disturbing, or detrimental given its character, intensity, or duration, applied only during those overnight hours. 02 carves out specific activities from the nuisance classification regardless of when they occur or how loud they are, including noise from normal farm or farming-related activities, permitted fireworks, county-authorized special events, normal school activities and school sporting events, ordinary construction activity, and customary residential uses like lawn care. 04. 01, not against a specific decibel number.
Violations & Fines
First violation of § 94.01 carries a fine of up to $100 plus court costs. A second violation raises the fine to up to $250 plus court costs, and a third or subsequent violation raises it to up to $500 plus court costs, all under § 94.99(A). The County Sheriff's Department handles enforcement and can act on nighttime noise complaints between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for amplified music in unincorporated Hendricks County?
Can I play amplified music outdoors before 10 p.m.?
What is the fine for a nighttime noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendricks County
Compare Hendricks County to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
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