Rogers, AR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Unlike cities that adopt numeric decibel ceilings measured by sound-level meters, the City of Rogers enforces noise primarily through a distance-based audibility test rather than dBA thresholds. The noise ordinance (Chapter 18, Article II, Sec. 18-26) provides that sound is unlawful when it is "plainly audible" from a distance of 30 feet or more from a motor vehicle, or from a distance of 50 feet or more beyond the boundary line of the property on which it originates. "Plainly audible" is defined as sound clearly capable of being heard by a person of normal sensibilities using unaided hearing, at a volume above that of normal conversation; the standard expressly includes audible bass rhythms and excludes sound that is just barely audible. This approach lets officers enforce the rule by listening from a measured distance rather than operating a calibrated meter. The general prohibition in Sec. 18-24 supplements the audibility rule by barring any "unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary" noise that is detrimental to health or disturbs the public peace. Because the ordinance sets no separate fine, a violation is subject to the Code's general penalty of up to $500 per offense and up to $1,000 for each repetition. Anyone needing the precise verbatim thresholds should consult the current Municipal Code, which the city recodified in 2025-2026.