Lenexa, KS Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 4-1-C-4-E-2 of the Lenexa City Code sets numeric noise performance standards that apply everywhere in the city. The test is a sound registered on a decibel meter from any source not exempted or otherwise regulated by the Unified Development Code, measured anywhere off the property of the sound source. A reading above the listed dB(A) for that zone and time period is unlawful.

The table has two periods. From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the caps are 70 dB(A) residential, 65 dB(A) commercial and 70 dB(A) industrial. From 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., they drop to 55, 60 and 65 dB(A). Residential neighbors therefore get the tightest night limit in the city.

Zones follow the definitions in Section 4-1-C-4-E-1. A Residential Area is property zoned RE, RP-E, R-1, RP-1 through RP-5, AG, or a PUD containing residential uses. A Commercial Area is property zoned NP-O, CP-O, CP-1, CP-2, CP-3, CO-4 or HBD, or a PUD with commercial uses and no residential uses. An Industrial Area is property zoned BP-1 or BP-2, or a PUD with industrial uses only. The code defines dB(A) as a weighted sound level measured by a general purpose, properly calibrated sound level meter complying with American National Standard Institute provisions.

A second, meter-free track sits beside the table. Section 4-1-C-4-E-3 lists prima facie violations, such as construction, power tools, vehicle stereos and amplified sound that are plainly audible across a residential property line between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Both tracks count as a Noise Disturbance under Section 4-1-C-4-E-1-f.

The property owner, tenant or other person in control of residential property must not allow a noise disturbance and is responsible for abating it (Section 4-1-C-4-E-6). Exemptions in Section 4-1-C-4-E-7 cover emergency vehicles, government hazard response, sound made under a valid license or permit, and emergency generators running when grid power is out.