Kootenai County, ID Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- General land decibel limit
- None countywide
- Boat limit (post-1995)
- 88 dBA (SAE J2005)
- Boat limit (pre-1995)
- 90 dBA
- Large-lake limit
- 75 dBA (SAE J1970)
- Large-lake trigger
- Over 500 feet wide
Summary
Kootenai County's clearest numeric decibel limits apply to boats: Idaho Code 67-7038 caps motorboat noise at 88 dBA (post-1995) on a stationary test and 75 dBA on lakes over 500 feet wide. There is no general land-based decibel ordinance for unincorporated areas.
It is unlawful... to operate... any motorboat... in such manner as to exceed the following sound levels: (a) For motorboats manufactured on or after January 1, 1995, a noise level of 88dB(A)... (b) For motorboats manufactured before January 1, 1995, a noise level of 90dB(A).
Full Breakdown
The county does not publish a general A-weighted decibel table for residential or land-based noise in unincorporated areas; those disputes are resolved under Idaho's disturbing-the-peace standard. Where the county does use hard decibel numbers is on the water. Idaho Code 67-7038, applied on Kootenai County lakes under county code 6.2.105, sets 88 dBA for motorboats manufactured on or after January 1, 1995, 90 dBA for earlier boats, both measured by the SAE J2005 stationary test, and 75 dBA measured per SAE J1970 on lakes or reservoirs more than 500 feet in width.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the boat decibel limits is enforced under county code 6.2.105 (infraction, escalating to misdemeanor on a third offense within a year). No land-based decibel fine schedule exists countywide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for house parties in the county?
What decibel level is illegal on the lake?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kootenai County
Compare Kootenai County to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview
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