Polk County's noise ordinance does not set numeric decibel (dBA) limits. As of September 2, 2025 (Ord. 2025-049) the county measures violations by a "plainly audible at 50 feet" and reasonable-person standard rather than a sound-meter reading.
The prior noise ordinance (Ord. 14-030) was repealed and replaced by Ord. 2025-049, effective Sept. 2, 2025. The current Ch. 10.5, Art. IV, Div. 2 contains no dBA tables. Sec. 10.5-52 defines a noise disturbance by whether sound is "plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the source" or of such volume/intensity as to disturb reasonable people. Sec. 10.5-53 lists the factors officers weigh: duration/intensity, land-use district, time of day/night, and recurrence. Enforcement relies on an officer's ordinary hearing, not calibrated meters. Governs unincorporated Polk County only.
A noise disturbance is a misdemeanor enforceable by the Sheriff's Office or code enforcement, with a fine up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail, or both (Sec. 10.5-54).
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