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Overland Park, KS Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Residential daytime limit
60 dB(A), 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Residential nighttime limit
55 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Commercial limit
65/60 dB(A) day/night
Industrial limit
70/65 dB(A) day/night
Measurement point
Off the source property

Summary

Overland Park sets hard dB(A) ceilings that scale by zoning and time of day: 60 dB(A) daytime in residential areas dropping to 55 at night, with commercial and industrial zones allowed 5 and 10 decibels more respectively. Readings are taken off the source property, not on it.

A sound registered on a decibel meter from any source not exempted or otherwise regulated by this Chapter and which, when measured anywhere off of the property of the sound source, is in excess of the dB(A) established for the time period and zones listed below. AREA 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Residential 60 dB(A) / 55 dB(A). Commercial 65 dB(A) / 60 dB(A). Industrial 70 dB(A) / 65 dB(A).

Full Breakdown

A makes it a Noise Disturbance for a sound registered on a decibel meter, from any source not otherwise exempted or time-restricted under the chapter, to exceed the dB(A) limit set for the applicable zone and time period when measured anywhere off the property of the sound source. ; Commercial areas at 65 dB(A) daytime and 60 dB(A) nighttime; and Industrial areas at 70 dB(A) daytime and 65 dB(A) nighttime. 001 by zoning designation (C-O, CP-O, C-1 through C-3, CBD, DD for commercial; BP, M-1, MP-1, M-2, MP-2 for industrial), and "Residential Area" covers RE, R-1 through R-6 and their planned variants.

This numeric table is a backstop: many common noise sources, such as construction equipment, vehicle repair, lawn equipment and amplified sound, are instead governed by the separate time-based "Plainly Audible" standards in subsections C through G, which apply regardless of measured decibel level. 004 exclude emergency vehicles, government/utility work in hazardous situations, and activity under a City-issued license or permit that specifically authorizes higher sound levels. 005.

Violations & Fines

A first conviction carries a minimum $50 fine, a second within 24 months a minimum $150 fine, and a third or subsequent conviction a minimum $250 fine. The Court may suspend the portion of any fine over $200 for 12 months if no repeat violation occurs, and may also impose up to six months in jail. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the decibel level measured in Overland Park?
Section 7.08.002.A requires the sound to be measured anywhere off of the property of the sound source, meaning readings are taken from the complaining neighbor's side of the property line, not at the noise source itself.
Do the dB(A) limits apply to construction and lawn equipment?
No. Construction noise, vehicle repair, lawn equipment and amplified sound are governed instead by separate Plainly Audible time restrictions in Section 7.08.002.C, D, F and G; the numeric table only catches sources not otherwise exempted or time-restricted.
Are the decibel limits the same everywhere in the city?
No. They scale with zoning: residential areas cap out at 60 dB(A) by day and 55 at night, commercial areas allow 65/60 dB(A), and industrial areas allow 70/65 dB(A), reflecting the higher ambient noise already expected in those zones.

Sources & Official References

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