Little Rock, AR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Districts covered
- I-1, I-2, I-3 industrial zones
- Standard
- No noise exceeding neighboring uses' baseline
- Measurement point
- Site's own property boundary
- Fine
- Up to $1,000 per violation
- Continuing violation
- Up to $500 per day
Summary
Industrial zoning districts in Little Rock (I-1, I-2, I-3) cannot emit noise, odor, or vibration exceeding the general level from surrounding uses, measured at the site's property line.
No noise, odor or vibration shall be emitted so that it constitutes a nuisance which substantially exceeds the general level of noise, odor or vibration emitted by uses adjacent to or immediately surrounding the site. Such comparisons shall be made at the boundaries of the site.(2)Outdoor storage of trash receptacles shall be at the sides or rear of the site and shall be totally encircled or screened by a fence, planting or other suitable visual barrier.(3)Landscaping of all vehicular use areas shall be in compliance with chapter 15, article IV.(4)All premises shall be kept clear of all rubbish, trash, brush, litter and abandoned vehicles. (Code 1961, Ch. 43, § 7-104(c); Ord. No. 15,832, § 1a, 4-3-90; Ord. No. 19,910, § 1(i), 1-15-08)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
Little Rock's zoning code applies one nuisance-based noise test to every parcel zoned I-1 industrial park, I-2 light industrial, or I-3 heavy industrial. Under Section 36-318, a business cannot emit noise, odor, or vibration that substantially exceeds what neighboring uses already produce, and code enforcement compares the levels at the site's own property boundary rather than at a distant residential lot. It's a relative-nuisance test, not a fixed decibel cap, so an I-3 heavy-industrial operator near a rail yard has more headroom than an I-1 park tenant next to offices.
Violations & Fines
Zoning code enforcement can cite an industrial operator whose noise, odor, or vibration substantially exceeds nearby uses' baseline; the general Code penalty is a fine up to $1,000, or up to $500 per day for a continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for industrial noise in Little Rock?
Which zoning districts does this rule apply to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
Compare Little Rock to another location·View the Arkansas noise ordinances overview
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