Idaho Falls, ID Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Idaho Falls, ID, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- Time restriction
- None - applies 24/7
- First offense
- Infraction, Council-set fine
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor after 2 violations/year
- Ordinance history
- Ord. 3536 (9-14-23)
Summary
Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, bans loud or amplified sound, including recorded music, that's plainly audible fifty feet away, at any time of day.
No person shall make, continue, cause to be made or allow to be made any loud, repetitive, or high-pitched noise(s) or amplified or reproduced sound, including recorded music, that is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50') feet from the source of the sound.
(2) Nighttime Music Noise. No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made a plainly audible noise or sound by playing, amplifying, or performing music between the hours of 12:00 am and 8:00 am, including, but not limited to, live bands; music ensembles; radios, music or audio players, smartphones, or similar sound emitting device; and parked vehicles.
(3) Manufacturing Noise. No person shall conduct, perform, or continue a manufacturing process that creates plainly audible noise or sound between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. except when the source of the noise or sound is in an area zoned for Industrial or Manufacturing uses under this Code.
(4) Firework Noise No person shall create or cause plainly audible sound or noise caused by or created by a firework. This section shall not be deemed to regulate any aspect of firework sales, possession, or use beyond the sounds created by fireworks.
(a) Exception: Plainly audible noise or sound caused by or created by a firework during (i) the celebratory hours of 10:00 p.m. to midnight on
Full Breakdown
The city's nuisance noise ordinance prohibits any loud, repetitive, or high-pitched noise or amplified/reproduced sound - including recorded music - that a person can plainly hear from fifty feet away, at any hour. The fifty-foot 'plainly audible' test applies regardless of decibel meters: if unaided hearing detects it from that distance, it violates the code. This covers portable speakers, PA systems, car stereos, and any other amplified source operating within Idaho Falls, Bonneville County. A first violation is an infraction; two violations within one calendar year escalate to a misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Infraction punishable by a Council-set fine; a second conviction within one calendar year becomes a misdemeanor (§ 5-4-11(F)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho Falls limit amplified sound by decibels?
Is there a time-of-day exemption for amplified sound?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
Compare Idaho Falls to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview
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