Boone County, MO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- 50 dBA
- Nighttime limit
- 40 dBA
- Average cap
- 45 dBA Ldn
- Scope
- Applies to WECS-C only
- Noncompliance
- Forces shutdown
Summary
Boone County caps commercial wind turbine (WECS-C) noise at 50 dBA during the day and 40 dBA at night, measured at the nearest property line: the county's only numeric decibel standard in its zoning code.
The noise level caused by the operation of the project shall not exceed fifty (50) dBA during any daytime hours and forty (40) dBA during any nighttime hours, as measured at the nearest property line. The average Adjusted Total Day-Night Sound Exposure shall not exceed 45 dBA Ldn.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Zoning Ordinance § 29.8.2.2 sets performance standards commercial Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS-C) must meet without exception: noise from project operation cannot exceed 50 dBA during daytime hours or 40 dBA at night, measured at the nearest property line, with average Adjusted Total Day-Night Sound Exposure capped at 45 dBA Ldn. Under § 29.8.2.3, a reasonable noise complaint to the Resource Management Department triggers a mandatory professional noise study within 30 days, and a WECS-C found out of compliance must shut down until it demonstrates compliance. This limit applies only to permitted commercial wind turbine projects, not to general property noise.
Violations & Fines
A WECS-C exceeding the dBA limits after a substantiated complaint must be shut down until a professional noise study proves compliance: there is no listed monetary fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this decibel limit cover ordinary neighborhood noise?
What happens if a wind project exceeds the noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boone County
Compare Boone County to another location·View the Missouri noise ordinances overview
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