Wichita, KS Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential limit
- 55 db(A) day / 50 db(A) night
- Industrial limit
- 80 db(A) day / 75 db(A) night
- Day period
- 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- Measured from
- 25 feet, ANSI A-weighted meter
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Wichita caps sound at 55 db(A) daytime and 50 db(A) nighttime in residential zones, with higher ceilings for commercial, industrial and park areas.
A noise measured or registered as provided herein from any source not exempted by this Chapter at a level which is equal to or in excess of the db(A) established for the time period and zones listed below or that exceeds the background level by five db(A), whichever is greater, is declared to be excessive... Zone 8:00 a.m. to next 10:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m. to next 8:00 a.m. Residential 55 db(A) / 50 db(A). Commercial 60 db(A) / 55 db(A). Light Industrial 70 db(A) / 65 db(A). Industrial 80 db(A) / 75 db(A). Parks 60 db(A) / 55 db(A).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 5.63.030 sets a hard db(A) ceiling for every zone, split between the 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. day period and the 10:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. night period. Residential tops out at 55/50 db(A), commercial at 60/55, light industrial at 70/65, industrial at 80/75, and parks at 60/55. A reading is also excessive if it beats the ambient background level by 5 db(A), whichever number is higher. The Old Town District gets its own carve-out: it can run 5 db(A) over background up to a hard 80 db(A) cap. Readings are taken at least 25 feet from the source with an ANSI-standard A-weighted sound level meter.
Violations & Fines
Violating any Chapter 5.63 noise provision is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail; each day a violation continues is a separate offense (Sec. 5.63.090).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wichita's residential noise limit at night?
Can noise exceed the zone limit if it's still quieter than the neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.