Indianapolis, IN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Chapter 740's performance standards apply to every use "established or placed into operation after April 8, 1969," and existing uses may not be altered so as to conflict with them (Sec. 740-401.A). Subsection B lists eight standards that apply in every zoning district: no use may cause earth vibrations or concussions across the lot line that endanger public health or damage property (B.1); smoke, dust and particulate matter follow the emissions limits of Chapter 511, incorporated by reference (B.2); noxious, toxic or corrosive discharges across the lot line are barred (B.3); odor detectable at the lot line that is detrimental to public welfare is barred (B.4); and, at B.5, "no use shall emit sound beyond the lot lines in such a manner or intensity to endanger the public health, safety, or welfare, or cause injury to property," the operative noise rule.

Heat or glare (B.6), uncontrolled waste discharge in violation of Health and Hospital Corporation, state or DPW standards (B.7), and stormwater discharge violating DPW standards (B.8) round out the list. Subsection C adds that industrial-district uses must additionally meet National Fire Protection Association storage and manufacturing standards. Unlike Chapter 391's general noise ordinance, which sets a specific 115-decibel cap for vendor equipment and a 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., 75-foot plainly-audible threshold for amplified sound citywide, Sec. 740-401.B.5 carries no decibel number: it is a nuisance-endangerment test tied to land use, enforced by the Metropolitan Development Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals as part of the standards a special-exception use must satisfy under Sec. 740-705.B.6.