Indianapolis, IN Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Indianapolis, IN, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Indy Code section 391-302(c)(9)
- Prohibited hours
- 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. (building work and excavation)
- Heavy equipment
- Pile drivers, pneumatic hammers, hoists barred 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. (section 391-302(c)(13))
- Permit authority
- Bureau of license and permit services, Department of Code Enforcement
- Emergency permit
- Up to 3 days, renewable while emergency continues
Summary
Indianapolis Revised Code section 391-302(c)(9) prohibits the erection, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building, or excavation for it, between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the bureau of license and permit services grants a permit. Pile drivers and heavy hoisting equipment face the same 7 PM-7 AM ban under section 391-302(c)(13).
(9) Construction or repairing of buildings. The erection, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building, or the excavation therefor between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except: a. In the case of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety, and then only with a permit from the bureau of license and permit services of the department of code enforcement, which permit may be granted for a period not to exceed three (3) days while the emergency continues and which permit may be renewed for periods of three (3) days while the emergency continues; or b. If the bureau of license and permit services determines that the public health and safety will not be impaired by sound made by such work between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and that loss or inconvenience would result to any party in interest, and the bureau grants permission for such work to be done between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. upon application being made at the time the permit for the work is issued or during the progress of the work.
Full Breakdown
Indianapolis sets explicit nighttime construction hours in section 391-302(c)(9) of the consolidated Revised Code. except in two cases: (a) urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety, and then only with a permit from the bureau of license and permit services of the department of code enforcement (granted for up to three days, renewable in three-day increments while the emergency continues); or (b) where the bureau determines public health and safety will not be impaired and that loss or inconvenience would result to a party in interest, and grants permission for the off-hours work.
of any pile driver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick, steam or electric hoist,' subject to the same emergency-utility and permit exceptions. Note that the code's general engine/exhaust restriction (section 391-302(c)(6)) expressly does not apply to 'owners or operators of equipment or devices used in the construction, demolition, or similar labor or maintenance trades' during permitted hours, so daytime construction equipment is exempted from the engine-noise prima facie rules.
Violations & Fines
First violation in any twelve-month period: civil penalty via the ordinance violations bureau. Second violation: not less than $250.00; subsequent violations: not less than $500.00 (section 391-302(d)). Work without an off-hours permit can also be halted by code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction occur in Indianapolis?
Can a contractor get permission to work at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
How Indianapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
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