St. Martin Parish, LA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in St. Martin Parish, LA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Plainly audible limit
- 50 feet from any source property line (section 26-37(e))
- Bass complaint, weeknights 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Three decibels over total sound level, measured indoors
- Bass complaint, weekend nights 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Three decibels over total sound level
- Bass complaint, all other times
- Five decibels over total sound level
- Handheld music box, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Not plainly audible at 100 feet on public property
- Handheld music box, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Not plainly audible at 50 feet on public property
- Penalty
- $100.00 to $500.00, up to 30 days, or both
Summary
In unincorporated St. Martin Parish, amplified music cannot be plainly audible 50 feet from the source property line, and on a bass complaint the sound measured inside the complainant's residence can exceed the total sound level by only three or five decibels depending on the hour. Handheld music boxes face 100 foot and 50 foot audibility limits on public property.
(c)Amplified sound. If the source of sound is an amplified sound reproduction device, and the complainant states that the rhythmic bass component of the music is disturbing within the complainant's residence, then a determination as to whether a violation of this article occurs shall be based upon the sound level measurements taken within the residence of the complainant. As such, no person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any amplified source of sound in such a manner that it exceeds the total sound level by the permissible sound level limits set forth as follows when measured within the residence of the complainant:(1)Weeknights between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.: three decibels.(2)Weekend nights between 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.: three decibels.(3)At all other times: five decibels. ... (1)Plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from any property line of the source property; or(2)Of such volume as to be unreasonably loud, raucous, jarring, disturbing, or a nuisance to a reasonable person of normal sensibilities within the area of audibility.
Full Breakdown
Article II of Chapter 26 treats amplified sound in three ways. First, section 26-37(c) applies when the source is an amplified sound reproduction device and the complainant states that the rhythmic bass component is disturbing within the complainant's residence. The measurement is then taken within that residence, and the amplified source can exceed the total sound level by only three decibels on weeknights between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., three decibels on weekend nights between 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., and five decibels at all other times. Section 26-34 defines "weekday" as beginning Sunday at 8:00 p.m. and ending the following Friday at 6:00 p.m., and "weekend" as beginning Friday at 6:00 p.m. and ending the following Sunday at 8:00 p.m.
Second, section 26-37(e) adds supplemental standards that apply even when the numeric limits are met. No one can operate a source of amplified sound on property that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from any property line of the source property, or that is of such volume as to be unreasonably loud, raucous, jarring, disturbing, or a nuisance to a reasonable person of normal sensibilities within the area of audibility. These standards do not require measurements of sound. "Plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected using unaided hearing; for a sound amplification device, detecting the rhythmic bass component is sufficient, and the listener need not make out the title, specific words or artist.
Third, section 26-39(8) covers self-contained, portable, handheld music or sound amplification equipment, including music boxes, radios and stereos. On a public space or public right-of-way it cannot be plainly audible at 100 feet in any direction between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or at 50 feet in any direction between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Decibels from a music box are read on the "C" weighting network with slow meter response, where other decibel readings use the "A" weighting. Section 26-36 applies the article to sound originating from or received by any property in the unincorporated areas. Section 26-38 exempts public celebrations and events operating within the time and volume parameters of a variance issued by the St. Martin Parish Council.
Violations & Fines
Section 26-40 sets a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, for anyone who violates the article. The plainly audible and unreasonably loud standards in section 26-37(e) require no sound measurements, so the 50-foot limit is tested by ear at the source property line. The Parish Council is the body that can issue a variance for an event under section 26-38(10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a neighbor complain about bass inside their own home?
Does music have to be measured with a meter to violate the rule?
What are the rules for a portable speaker on a street or in a park?
Are festivals and public celebrations exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Martin Parish
Compare St. Martin Parish to another location·View the Louisiana noise ordinances overview
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