Louisville Metro uses objective decibel standards under Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District Regulation 5.11 rather than only subjective plainly-audible standards. Residential receiving zones are generally limited to 55 dBA during daytime and 50 dBA at night measured at the property line, with higher thresholds in commercial and industrial districts.
Unlike many U.S. cities that rely solely on plainly-audible or disturbing-the-peace standards, Louisville Metro enforces specific decibel thresholds through APCD Regulation 5.11, Sound Emission Standards. The limits are tiered by the zoning of the receiving property (not the source). Typical residential property line limits are 55 dBA daytime (7 AM to 10 PM) and 50 dBA nighttime (10 PM to 7 AM). Commercial receiving zones allow roughly 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime, and industrial zones allow 75 dBA or higher. Impulse and tonal noises carry penalty corrections. APCD inspectors use calibrated Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters to document violations. LMCO Chapter 99 supplements this with prohibitions on specific nuisance noises regardless of decibel level — loud parties, amplified music, vehicle sound systems, and barking dogs can be cited even if under the numeric threshold. Construction activity and emergency repairs receive limited exemptions. Residents who suspect a violation should call APCD at (502) 574-6000 during active noise events so a field measurement can be taken.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Louisville code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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