Lincoln, NE Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Lincoln, NE, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- 60 dB(A), 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Enforcing agency
- Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept.
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Permit exception
- Public events with issued permit
Summary
Amplified music, radios, or sound amplifiers that cross a residential property line above 60 dB(A) by day or 50 dB(A) at night violate Lincoln's noise ordinance, unless a public event permit sets other limits.
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 such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone, except for activities open to the public and for which any required permit has been issued...The standards are 60 db(a), maximum three minute Leq, for the time period 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and 50 db(a)...for the time period 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 8.24.090(a)(1) bans operating a radio, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device so it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line or in a noise-sensitive zone. Public events that hold a required permit are exempt from the default numbers, but the permit itself fixes an agreed property-line noise limit and/or time limit with the health officer. Everyone else must stay at or below 60 dB(A) (three-minute Leq) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department administers and enforces the chapter citywide and within three miles of the city.
Violations & Fines
A misdemeanor under § 8.24.170(a): up to a $500 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both. Each day the amplified sound continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit for a louder outdoor concert in Lincoln?
What decibel level applies to outdoor music at night in Lincoln?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska noise ordinances overview
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