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Lincoln, NE Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Industrial limit
75 dBA, all times
Commercial limit
70 dBA, all times
Daytime exemption
6 a.m.-10 p.m., loading/repair noise
Measurement
10-min Leq, Type II ANSI meter
Max penalty
$500 fine or 6 months jail

Summary

Lincoln caps industrial noise at 75 dBA and commercial noise at 70 dBA at the receiving property line at all times, but exempts loading, vehicle-repair, and idling noise from commercial/industrial sites between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Commercial or business At all times 70 ... Industrial At all times 75 ... All activities within a commercial or industrial land area shall be exempt from any of the general or specific provisions in subparts (4), (6), and (16)(i) of subsection (a) between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. of the same day on any day.

Source: Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 17View official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 8.24.090, Table 1, sets a 75 dBA maximum ten-minute Leq for industrial receiving land uses and 70 dBA for commercial/business land uses, both applying at all times. Subsection (c) exempts commercial and industrial land areas from the loading/unloading, vehicle-repair, and standing-heavy-vehicle idling provisions (subparts (4), (6), and (16)(i)) between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Measurements are taken at the receiving property boundary with an ANSI Type II sound level meter. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and police enforce the chapter.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding 75 dBA (industrial) or 70 dBA (commercial) as a ten-minute Leq at the receiving property line is a misdemeanor: a fine up to $500 and/or up to six months in county jail, with each day a separate offense (§ 8.24.170(a)).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln's industrial noise limit?
75 dBA as a ten-minute Leq at the receiving property line, applying around the clock, per Municipal Code § 8.24.090, Table 1.
Is commercial loading noise exempt during the day?
Yes. Section 8.24.090(c) exempts commercial/industrial loading, vehicle repair, and heavy-vehicle idling from the general noise-disturbance standards between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

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