Louisville, KY Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Louisville, KY, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 7:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M.
- Citation
- Louisville Metro Code § 99.03(B)(3)
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement Board
- First-offense fine
- $100–$250
- Repeat fine (2-yr period)
- $250–$500
Summary
Construction and demolition noise in Louisville Metro is exempt from the noise ordinance only between 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.; work outside those hours can be cited as unreasonably loud noise under Metro Code § 99.02.
Noises resulting from construction or demolition activity, provided such activity takes place between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.;
(4) Noises relating from the use of farm machinery or other machinery for agricultural purposes in bona fide farming operations;
(5) Noises relating to the use of lawn mowers or other machinery for landscaping purposes between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.;
(6) Noises originating or emanating from public recreational facilities, such as but not limited to fairgrounds, sports arenas, sports stadiums, amusement parks, racetracks and other public amusement establishments;
(7) The operation of any aircraft in conformity with, or pursuant to, federal law, federal air regulations and/or air traffic control instructions.
(8) Noises resulting from any and all transportation, flood control, utility company maintenance and construction operations at any time on right- of-ways and noises from situations which may occur on private real property, including in parking lots, deemed necessary to serve the best interest of the public and to protect the public's health and well being, including, but not limited to, street or hard surface sweeping or cleaning, debris and limb removal, removal of downed wires, restoring electrical service, repairing traffic signals, unplugging sewers, snow removal, house moving, vacuumingcatch- basins, removal of damaged poles and vehicles, repair of water hydrants and
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Louisville Metro Code § 99.03(B)(3) exempts construction and demolition noise from the general noise-nuisance ban, but only between 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. Outside that window, the exemption disappears and construction noise falls under § 99.02's ban on noise that 'annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others.' Violations go to the Code Enforcement Board under § 99.99, with fines starting at $100 to $250 for a first offense and rising to $250 to $500 for a repeat within two years. Independent home rule cities inside Jefferson County, like Anchorage or St. Matthews, may set their own separate hours.
Violations & Fines
Construction or demolition noise outside 7:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M. loses the exemption and can be cited as a civil noise violation before the Code Enforcement Board, fined $100–$500 per repeat offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run construction equipment before 7 A.M. in Louisville Metro?
Does this apply to Anchorage or St. Matthews?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
How Louisville compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.