Jessamine County, KY Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Jessamine County, KY, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Device hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the following day
- Public space measurement
- At least 100 feet (30 meters) from the device
- Loudspeaker trigger
- Noise disturbance across a residential real property line
- Named exemption
- Ichthus and similar music festivals
- Fine
- $100 to $250 per offense
- Variance limit
- Not more than 365 days
Summary
In unincorporated Jessamine County, Kentucky, § 92.36(A) bars radios, instruments and similar devices from creating a noise disturbance across a property line between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and § 92.36(B) bars loudspeakers across a residential property line in the same window. Public-space levels are measured at 100 feet.
(A) Radios, television sets, musical instruments and similar devices. Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument or similar device which produces or reproduces sound: (1) Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line, or at any time to violate the provisions of §§ 92.37 through 92.41, except for activities for which a variance has been issued by the appropriate authority; and/or (2) In such a manner as to exceed the levels set forth for public space in §§ 92.37 through 92.41, measured at a distance of at least 100 feet (30 meters) from the device operating on a public right-of-way or public space. (B) Loudspeakers. Using or operating for any purpose any loudspeaker, loudspeaker system or similar device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line, ... Ichthus and any other similar music festival shall be exempt from this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Section 92.36(A) covers any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument or similar device that produces or reproduces sound. Under division (A)(1), operating one between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day is a violation when it creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real property line, unless a variance has been issued by the appropriate authority. Under division (A)(2), a device operating on a public right-of-way or public space violates the chapter when it exceeds the levels set for public space, measured at a distance of at least 100 feet (30 meters). The cross-referenced §§ 92.37 through 92.41 print assessment factors and enforcement procedures rather than decibel figures, and the decibel values in § 92.04, such as 140 dB for rock concerts, are printed only as references for judging noise.
Section 92.36(B) regulates loudspeakers, loudspeaker systems and similar devices used for any purpose between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, but only when the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line. The exceptions are noncommercial public speaking, public assembly and any activity covered by a variance from the Jessamine County Sheriff's Department, the Nicholasville Police Department or the Wilmore Police Department. The section also exempts Ichthus and any other similar music festival from the chapter by name.
The definitions matter. SOUND-AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT means any device for amplifying the human voice, music or any other sound, excluding standard automobile radios used and heard only by the vehicle's occupants and warning devices on authorized emergency vehicles. A SOUND TRUCK is any vehicle, moving or stationary, with sound-amplifying equipment mounted on it. Under § 92.37, an officer weighs time of day, proximity of residential structures and whether the noise has been enhanced in volume or range by electronic or mechanical means. Variances under § 92.17 cannot exceed 365 days.
Violations & Fines
A violation carries a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $250 for each offense under § 92.99(B)(1). A person shown to be willfully or knowingly violating the chapter faces not less than $250 and not more than $500 with possible jail time, and each day is a separate offense. Officers can issue a warning or abatement order under § 92.38 or a uniform citation under § 92.39, and § 92.41 allows a private civil action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music outdoors at night in unincorporated Jessamine County?
Is there a decibel number for music in Jessamine County?
Do loudspeaker rules apply at a commercial property line?
What events are exempt from the loudspeaker rule?
Does a car stereo count as sound-amplifying equipment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jessamine County
Compare Jessamine County to another location·View the Kentucky noise ordinances overview
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