St. Louis, MO Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in St. Louis, MO, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Public property limit
- audible beyond 75 feet
- Private property standard
- louder than necessary for listeners present
- First offense fine
- at least $100
- Repeat offense (3rd+)
- at least $500
- Community service option
- 20-60 hours in lieu of fine
Summary
St. Louis caps amplified sound on public property at audible beyond 75 feet and bars private-property playback louder than needed for on-site listeners.
No person shall play any radio, music player, television, audio system or musical instrument upon private property at a volume louder than is necessary for convenient, normal hearing of the person or persons who are on the property... no person shall play any radio, music player, or audio system upon public property at a volume which is plainly audible at a distance greater than seventy-five (75) feet from the source of the sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 15.50.030 splits the rule by location. On private property, radios, music players, TVs, audio systems and musical instruments can't be played louder than necessary for convenient, normal hearing of the voluntary listeners on that property. On public property, a radio, music player or audio system can't be plainly audible more than 75 feet from its source, except for lawful recurring events at assembly venues and vehicle operators covered separately under § 15.50.031. First violations of § 15.50.030 draw a fine starting at $100, rising to $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third within a year, or the court may substitute 20 to 60 hours of community service.
Violations & Fines
Fine starts at $100 (first offense), $250 (second), $500 (third+) within a year; court may impose 20-60 hours community service instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music on my own porch in St. Louis?
Is there a specific decibel or distance limit for public property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.