Louisville, KY Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Numeric standard
- None by zone or time of day
- Generator cap
- 70 dBA under § 99.02(B)(7)
- General test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- LDC noise section
- § 4.1.4: reserved, unused
- First-offense fine
- $100-$250 civil penalty
Summary
Louisville Metro has no citywide table of maximum decibels by zoning district or time of day. Noise is judged by whether it's 'plainly audible' at 50 feet and 'unreasonably loud, harsh or excessive'; the only fixed number is a 70 dBA cap on portable generators.
The use or operation of any portable generator which exceeds decibel levels of 70 dBA by any vehicle. (1994 Jeff. Code, § 98.02) (Jeff. Ord. 14-1993, adopted and effective 6-22- 1993; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 212-2003, approved 12-1-2003; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 186-2019, approved 12-2-2019, eff. 5-30-2020) Penalty, see § 98.99
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 99 of the Code of Ordinances defines UNREASONABLY LOUD, HARSH, or EXCESSIVE NOISE as any manufactured noise 'plainly audible' at 50 feet, and § 99.02(A) bars any such noise that disturbs the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others. Zoning and time of day are listed only as factors the Code Enforcement Board weighs case by case under § 99.03(A), not as fixed thresholds. The single bright-line number in the general noise code caps portable generators at 70 dBA (§ 99.02(B)(7)). The Land Development Code's own noise section, § 4.1.4, is expressly marked 'reserved': no zoning-based decibel standard has been adopted.
Violations & Fines
A first violation draws a $100-$250 civil fine, a second within two years $250-$500, and a third $500-$1,000; the Code Enforcement Board hears citations, and each day of continued violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisville Metro set maximum decibel levels by zoning district?
Is there any fixed decibel number in the code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky noise ordinances overview
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