Decibel Limits
Noise Ordinances
The decibel thresholds cities enforce, usually as a table by zone and time of day, residential, commercial, and industrial limits, how noise is measured, and what happens at the property line.
How Decibel Limits Rules Differ by Place
Redwood City, CA: Redwood City Residential Noise Level Limit
Heavy RestrictionsIn Redwood City, after a noise-abatement notice, it is unlawful to allow a party or gathering of three or more people to generate noise between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. that exceeds 6 dB…
St. Lucie County, FL: St. Lucie County Decibel Limits by Property Type
Heavy RestrictionsSt. Lucie County Sec. 28-110 sets receiving-property dBA limits: residential 60 (day) / 55 (night), commercial 65 at all times, industrial 70 at all times, measured at the property…
Lake County, IN: Lake County IN Noise Decibel Limits
Heavy RestrictionsUnincorporated Lake County, Indiana sets numeric boundary decibel limits (Code § 93.03): 55 dBA at all times for residential and commercial zones and 66 dBA for industrial zones…
Hanford, CA: Hanford Industrial & Commercial Noise Exemption
Few RestrictionsHanford exempts routine noise from commercial and industrial properties, like nighttime freight unloading, from its noise ordinance at any hour, as long as it's typical for that kind…
Multnomah County, OR: Industrial Noise Exempt From Multnomah County Sound Limits
Few RestrictionsMultnomah County exempts sounds from industrial, agricultural, and construction operations during normal work from its Sound Control Law, so factories, farms, and job sites in…
Allen, TX: Noise: Commercial Noise
Few RestrictionsCommercial properties in Allen must not exceed 65 dBA at adjacent residential property lines during daytime or 55 dBA at night. HVAC, loading docks, and drive-through speakers are the…
Decibel Limits Rules by State
Statewide law governs this topic in many states. Each entry links to that state's full page.
Colorado
Some RestrictionsColorado fixes industrial noise ceilings at 80 decibels daytime and 75 decibels nighttime statewide under the Noise Abatement Act, with stricter local rules permitted but state…
Connecticut
Some RestrictionsConnecticut Chapter 442 and DEEP Regulations Section 22a-69 establish statewide decibel limits for industrial, commercial, and residential noise emitters. Municipal noise ordinances…
Illinois
Heavy RestrictionsIllinois sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary industrial and commercial noise sources through Pollution Control Board rules under the Environmental Protection Act.
Iowa
Few RestrictionsIowa Code 657.11 grants animal feeding operations broad immunity from public and private nuisance suits, including noise and odor claims, preempting local ordinances that would…
Louisiana
Few RestrictionsThe Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality regulates industrial facility air emissions and operations under La. R.S. 30:2001 et seq., but Louisiana has no comprehensive…
Minnesota
Some RestrictionsMinnesota Pollution Control Agency sets statewide numerical noise limits for stationary sources under Minn. Rules Chapter 7030. Limits vary by Noise Area Classification and time of…
New Jersey
Heavy RestrictionsNew Jersey's Noise Control Act sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary commercial and industrial sources, preempting conflicting local rules.
Ohio
Some RestrictionsOhio does not set numeric statewide industrial noise limits, but Ohio EPA permitting and nuisance law apply universally to industrial facilities regardless of municipal boundaries.
Oregon
Some RestrictionsOregon DEQ adopted statewide industrial noise standards under OAR 340-035-0035, setting maximum allowable decibel limits for new and existing industrial sources. While DEQ enforcement…
Virginia
Some RestrictionsVirginia Code § 15.2-980 lets localities adopt civil penalties for noise-ordinance violations, capped at $250 for a first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense. The…
Washington
Heavy RestrictionsIndustrial sources in Washington must comply with EDNA limits set by WAC 173-60, with the receiving residential zone limited to 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime.
Cities & Counties with Decibel Limits Rules
917 locations
Alabama
Massachusetts
Other Noise Ordinances Topics
Quiet Hours
Nighttime and early morning noise restrictions. Most cities set specific hours when loud activities like lawn mowing, parties, and power tools are not allowed.
Construction Hours
When construction, demolition, and heavy equipment may run in residential areas. Most cities regulate this by hours and days rather than volume; violations can bring stop-work orders…
Barking Dogs
Rules about excessive or continuous dog barking, including how complaints are filed, time-of-day limits, and penalties for owners.
Leaf Blower Rules
Restrictions on leaf blowers, including permitted hours, decibel caps, and the growing set of cities phasing out or banning gas-powered blowers outright.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Rules for loudspeakers, live bands, DJ equipment, and outdoor music at homes, venues, and events, decibel limits, permitted hours, and when an amplified-sound permit is required.
Aircraft Noise
Local regulations related to noise from airports, flight paths, and helicopter operations near residential areas.
Vehicle Noise
Rules about loud vehicle exhaust, modified mufflers, racing engines, and stereos audible at distance. Covers what officers measure and typical fines.