Elkhart County, IN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Elkhart County Code § 94.03(C)
- Decibel ceiling
- 83 dBA measured 15 feet from source
- Warning required
- No; decibel reading alone is sufficient
- First-offense fine
- $250 to $2,500 (§ 94.99(B))
- Applies to
- All noise sources listed in § 94.03(B)
- Coverage area
- Unincorporated Elkhart County only
Summary
Elkhart County sets a flat, jurisdiction-wide decibel ceiling for noise: any sound exceeding 83 dBA measured 15 feet from its source is automatically treated as a prohibited noise, no termination request or complaint required. The limit applies on top of, and independent from, the chapter's list of specific noise violations.
Decibel based prohibition. In addition to the prohibitions at divisions (B)(1) through (B)(8) above, the following acts are declared to be loud, raucous or disturbing noises in violation of this section, based on decibel (dB). (1) Any noise that exceeds a level of 83 dBA based on a distance from the noise source of not less than 15 feet, and irrespective of the 50 feet standard set forth in divisions (B)(1) through (B)(8) above, shall be prima facie evidence of a noise prohibited by this section. (2) All provisions of division (C)(1) above to the contrary notwithstanding, noise that creates fewer decibels than 83 dBA from 15 feet also constitutes noise prohibited by this section if such noise otherwise constitutes a prohibited noise stated in this section. Further, there is not any decibel measurement requirement necessary to prove the existence of a noise prohibited by section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-23: Supplement contains: Current through local legislation passed on or before July 31, 2025; and State Legislation current through 2025 Indiana Legislative Service, Pamphlet #3).
Full Breakdown
03(B), and the code expressly states there is no decibel-measurement requirement necessary to prove a violation by other means. 03(B), including horns and alarms (B)(1), sound machines and stereos (B)(2), public address devices (B)(3), animals (B)(4), defective mufflers (B)(5), tire squealing and revving (B)(6), loading and unloading (B)(7), and noise near schools, churches and hospitals (B)(8). Because it is a bright-line reading rather than a subjective "unreasonable" standard, a measurement at or above 83 dBA from 15 feet is enough on its own for a citation, with no prior warning or termination request needed, unlike most of the chapter's other prohibitions.
Violations & Fines
A conviction under § 94.99(B) starts at $250 to $2,500 for a first violation, $500 to $2,500 for a second within two years, $1,000 to $2,500 for a third, and $1,500 to $2,500 for each additional violation in that period, plus court costs, enforced by the County Sheriff's Department under I.C. 34-28-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual decibel limit for noise in Elkhart County?
Do I need to warn someone before reporting a noise over 83 decibels?
Can noise under 83 decibels still be a violation in Elkhart County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elkhart County
Compare Elkhart County to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
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