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Carmel, IN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Code section
Carmel City Code Sec. 6-158(a)
Residential
55 dBA day / 50 dBA night (10
Business/mixed
60 dBA day / 50 dBA night (11
Industrial/agricultural
70 dBA anytime
Absolute cap
70 dBA at 50 feet for any period
Measurement distance
Not less than 50 feet from source

Summary

Carmel City Code Sec. 6-158(a) sets numeric dBA limits by zoning district and time of day, measured at 50 feet: residential 55/50 dBA, business 60/50 dBA, and industrial/agricultural 70 dBA anytime. A hard cap of 70 dBA at 50 feet applies for any period of time, and sound audible at

B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-8, C-1, C-2, OM, PM, PUD, P-1: 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. = 60; 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. = 50. I-1, M-1, M-3, AG-1: Anytime = 70.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Carmel is a true decibel-limit city. Sec. 6-158(a) prohibits sound that (1) is audible 50 feet or more from its source, (2) exceeds the chart below for five minutes or more within any 30-minute period when measured on a dB(A) scale at no less than 50 feet, or (3) exceeds 70 decibels for any period of time at no less than 50 feet. The zoning chart sets: residential districts (S-1, S-2, R-1 through R-5) at 55 dBA from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.; business and mixed districts (B-1 through B-8, C-1, C-2, OM, PM, PUD, P-1) at 60 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 50 dBA from 11:00 p.m.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding a decibel limit is an infraction under Sec. 6-158(d): up to $250 (first), $500 (second), $1,000 (third), and $2,500 (fourth and subsequent). Citations are issued by sworn Carmel Metropolitan Police officers (Sec.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the noise decibel limit in Carmel?
It depends on zone and time. Residential zones allow 55 dBA in daytime and 50 dBA at night; business/mixed zones allow 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night; industrial/agricultural zones allow 70 dBA anytime. All are measured at no less
How is the noise measured?
On a dB(A) scale at a distance of not less than 50 feet from the source. Sec. 6-158(g) describes how the ambient level is measured, including taking the reading at least four feet from any reflecting wall.
Is there an absolute decibel ceiling?
Yes. Under Sec. 6-158(a)(3), sound over 70 decibels at 50 feet is prohibited for any period of time, regardless of zone or hour.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Carmel

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsFew Restrictions

All Carmel rules

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