Billings, MT Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max daytime (industrial)
- 90 dB(A), 7am-8pm
- Max nighttime (industrial)
- 80 dB(A), 8pm-7am
- Average daytime limit
- 80 dB(A)
- Average nighttime limit
- 70 dB(A)
- Measured at
- complainant's property line
Summary
Billings limits industrial-zone noise to 90 dB(A) maximum by day and 80 dB(A) at night, with lower 80/70 dB(A) average limits, enforced by trained city officials under Sec. 17-103.
(a)The permissible noise exposure limits from non-exempt noise sources in residential, commercial and industrial districts are as provided in Table 1 below.(b)At boundaries between zones, the lower of the dB(A) level shall be applicable. Table 1—Limitations
Maximum Permissible Noise Limits Zone Day 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Night 8:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m.
Residential 65 dB(A) 55 dB(A) Commercial 80 dB(A) 60 dB(A) Industrial 90 dB(A) 80 dB(A) Average Permissible Noise Limits Zone Day 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Night
8:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. Residential 55 dB(A) 45 dB(A) Commercial 70 dB(A) 50 dB(A) Industrial 80 dB(A) 70 dB(A)
(c)Noise measured by trained and qualified city officials on a complainant's property in excess of the limits established for the zones and times in Table I above constitutes prima facie evidence that such noise is a public nuisance, except in circumstances as provided in sections 17-104 and 17-105, or if a waiver has been granted under section 17-107. (Ord. No. 13-5603, § 1, 5-28-13; Ord. No. 19-5728, § 2, 12-9-19)
Cross reference— Operation of loud sound amplification systems in motor vehicles, § 24-351 et seq.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Billings' noise code sets both maximum and average decibel limits by zone and time of day. Industrial districts may run up to 90 dB(A) maximum between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., dropping to 80 dB(A) maximum at night; average (LASeq) levels are capped at 80 dB(A) by day and 70 dB(A) overnight. Where an industrial zone borders another zone, the lower of the two zones' dB(A) limits applies at the boundary. City officials measure readings at the complainant's property line, and any level above these thresholds is prima facie evidence of a public nuisance under Sec. 17-103(c), unless an exemption or waiver applies.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the industrial dB(A) limits is a municipal infraction under Sec. 18-1304, with civil penalties for each day the violation continues, plus possible nuisance abatement by court injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Billings measure industrial noise complaints?
What happens if an industrial noise reading exceeds the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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