Columbus, IN Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Section 8.28.040(C) of the Columbus Municipal Code, part of the Common Council's 2025 noise chapter for the City of Columbus in Bartholomew County, Indiana, sets the clock for work noise. The subsection covers construction, erection (including excavating), demolition, alteration, maintenance, production and repair. Noise from that work that creates loud, unnecessary and unreasonable noise is a violation unless it happens at the designated times: weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Two carve-outs appear in the text itself. The first is any noise otherwise authorized by the city. The second is an emergency, which the chapter defines as any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical trauma or property damage that demands immediate action. Chapter 8.28 defines construction as any site preparation, assembly, erection, substantial repair, alteration or similar action. Production means making or manufacturing components or raw materials, whether for commercial or industrial purposes, and maintenance means any act to keep property or equipment in good condition.

The rule targets noise that is loud, unnecessary and unreasonable, so the permitted window is the safe harbor rather than a license to be disruptive within it. Unreasonable noise is defined as sound of a volume, frequency or pattern that disrupts or endangers the comfort or repose of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivities. Under § 8.28.050 anyone can complain to the police department or code enforcement office, which investigates as soon as reasonably practical and can issue a citation or notice. A person who makes unreasonable noise and continues after being asked to stop by a police or code enforcement officer is in violation of disorderly conduct as defined in I.C. 35-45-1-3(a)(2).