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St. Louis, MO Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Residential (A-E): 55 dB(A) day / 50 dB(A) night
Commercial (F-G): 65 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night
Commercial-industrial (H-I): 70 dB(A) all hours
Industrial/unrestricted (J-K): 80 dB(A) all hours
Penalty: $100-$500 fine or 90 days jail

Summary

St. Louis caps stationary noise sources by zoning district and time of day, from 55 dB(A) daytime near "A" through "E" residential zones up to 80 dB(A) at all hours in "J" and "K" industrial districts.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated any stationary noise source which emits noise in such a manner that the level of the noise emitted, when measured at any point outside the boundary of the property upon which the stationary noise source is located using the slow meter characteristic and the A-weighting network of the sound level meter, exceeds the levels set forth in Table I below or exceeds the limit set forth in this chapter.

Source: SLRC 15.42View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

St. Louis Revised Code Chapter 15.51 sets stationary-source noise limits by zoning district under Table I, measured at the property boundary. Residential districts "A" through "E" cap noise at 55 dB(A) by day and 50 dB(A) at night; commercial districts "F" and "G" allow 65 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night; "H" and "I" commercial-industrial districts allow 70 dB(A) at all hours; and "J" and "K" industrial/unrestricted districts allow 80 dB(A) at all hours. Table I also lets shorter bursts run louder on a sliding minutes-based (Tn) scale. Discrete-tone or impulsive noise cuts the allowance by 5 dB(A). The Health Commissioner enforces; unabated violations go to the City Counselor for prosecution.

Violations & Fines

Violating the noise limits carries a fine of $100 to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and unabated violations go to the City Counselor for prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the industrial noise limit in St. Louis?

In "J" and "K" industrial and unrestricted zoning districts, stationary noise sources are capped at 80 dB(A) measured at the property line, at all hours, under St. Louis Revised Code § 15.51.030.

Who enforces St. Louis's noise limits?

The Health Commissioner investigates complaints and issues notices of violation; unresolved cases go to the City Counselor for prosecution under Chapter 15.51 of the Revised Code.

Does the noise limit change for short bursts?

Yes. Table I uses a sliding scale: louder noise is allowed for fewer total minutes per hour, but discrete-tone or impulsive noise reduces every threshold by 5 dB(A).

Sources & Official References

[1]St. Louis Revised Code § 15.51.030 — Permissible noise levels—Standards

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