Wichita, KS Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

The Wichita noise ordinance in Chapter 7.04 of the city code does not require officers to carry a sound level meter. Most enforcement uses the plainly audible standard at 50 feet for residential zones during nighttime hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The Wichita Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code includes performance standards for industrial districts that cap continuous sound at the boundary with adjacent residential or commercial property. Typical limits are around 70 dBA during the day and 60 dBA at night when measured at a residential property line, with higher limits allowed at industrial-to-industrial boundaries. Construction sites, refuse collection, emergency repairs, and parades are exempt during permitted hours. Vehicle stereos that are plainly audible at 25 feet may be cited under both the city noise chapter and Kansas Stat Chapter 8 traffic law. Residents who want a precise reading can request a meter survey from the Office of Environmental Health, but this is reserved for ongoing industrial sources. For one-off party complaints, officers rely on their own observation. HOAs in private subdivisions sometimes set tighter quiet hours under KS Stat 58-3806, and short-term rental hosts on platforms like Airbnb are expected to communicate the city standard to guests.