Lafayette Parish, LA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential daytime limit
- 60 dB(A), 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Residential nighttime limit
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Commercial limit
- 65 dB(A), 24 hours
- Industrial limit
- 70 dB(A), 24 hours
- Minimum fine
- $150 under Sec. 1-9(c)
Summary
Lafayette caps continuous sound at the receiving property line: 60 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) nighttime in residential zones, 65 dB(A) in commercial zones and 70 dB(A) in industrial zones, enforced parish-wide.
(a) Continuous sound. No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any source of sound on any source property in such a manner as to create a sound level that exceeds the sound level limits listed in Table I... Residential 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. ... 60.00 dB(A) ... 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. ... 50.00 dB(A) ... Commercial 24 hours ... 65.00 dB(A) ... Industrial 24 hours ... 70.00 dB(A)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 34's noise control code (Sec. 34-366, Table I) sets numeric ceilings measured at or within the property line of the receiving property: residential zones can't exceed 60 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., commercial zones cap at 65 dB(A), and industrial zones at 70 dB(A) around the clock. Impulsive sounds get an extra 20 dB(A) allowance, and steady mechanical tones (HVAC, transformers) lose 5 dB(A) off the limit. The code defines "Lafayette" as both the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish, so these limits apply the same everywhere in the consolidated government's jurisdiction, they don't reach Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville or Milton, which run their own ordinances.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is classified major or minor under Sec. 34-370; major violations and uncorrected minor ones are punishable under Sec. 1-9 with a minimum $150 fine, and any enforcement agency may immediately terminate the offending noise source regardless of classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply outside the City of Lafayette?
Where is sound level measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
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