Louisville, KY Noise Ordinances: Industrial Noise (2026)

Louisville Metro is one of the few U.S. jurisdictions where noise is regulated by the Air Pollution Control District rather than a standalone noise office. APCD Regulation 5.11 establishes sound level limits measured at the property line of the receiving use. Residential receiving properties are typically limited to about 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, while commercial and industrial receiving properties have higher thresholds. The Rubbertown industrial corridor in western Louisville and the Riverport industrial area produce significant mechanical noise, and APCD responds to complaints with sound-level measurements and enforcement actions. KY Rev Stat §381.860 provides a state-level nuisance cause of action that affected neighbors can pursue independently. Industrial facilities must also consider noise during any APCD permitting of new equipment, and mitigation (enclosures, silencers, buffers) may be required. Construction noise on industrial projects follows different rules under LMCO Chapter 99 and is generally permitted during daytime hours. Complaints about industrial noise should be directed to APCD at (502) 574-6000 rather than LMPD or 311 for fastest response.