Meridian, ID Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Meridian, 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
- Enforcing code
- Meridian City Code § 6-3-6
- Quiet hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Nighttime audibility limit
- audible 50 feet from source
- Citywide violation
- misdemeanor
- Park amplified sound
- 62 decibels at 20 feet
Summary
Meridian bans noise that unreasonably disturbs neighbors at any hour, and specifically outlaws sound audible 50 feet away between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., covering amplified music, stereos, and speakers at homes and businesses citywide.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from such property:
1. Sounds or noise at a volume that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort or enjoyment of others;
2. Sounds or noise in a location that prevents the activities of a business, or enjoyment of a residence; or
3. Sounds and or noise between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. audible fifty (50) feet or farther from the source.
B. Exceptions. The prohibition of this section shall not apply to sounds necessary to protect public safety, including those caused by:
1. Any emergency vehicle or personnel when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency.
2. Lawful movement of vehicles on public roadways.
3. Locomotives or other railroad equipment.
4. Burglar or fire alarms that are not in violation of this code.
5. Safety warning devices required by law.
6. Activity allowed by Title 11 , Meridian City Code, or pursuant to a government agency's permit, code, or order.
C. Violation, penalties. A violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 12-1517, 6-26-2012, eff. 7-1-2012; Ord. No. 26-2117 , § 1, 3-3-2026)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Meridian City Code § 6-3-6 makes it a misdemeanor to cause, or as a property owner to allow, sound that unreasonably disturbs others' peace or comfort, blocks business or residential use, or is audible 50 feet or more away between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The ban applies citywide to amplified music, stereos, and PA systems alike, at homes, bars, and events. It exempts emergency vehicles, alarms, trains, and activity already permitted under Title 11. Inside city parks, a separate 62-decibel limit measured at 20 feet, enforced under a city amplified-sound permit, governs instead (§ 5-1-4(D)).
Violations & Fines
Violating the citywide noise ban is a misdemeanor; violating the park amplified-sound permit rules is enforced separately under Chapter 5, with denial or revocation of the permit for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified music at home late at night in Meridian?
Do I need a permit for amplified sound in a Meridian park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
Compare Meridian to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle amplified music & outdoor sound.