Commercial noise from loading docks, HVAC, refrigeration, and delivery operations in St. Louis is regulated under SLRC 15.42.070. Mixed-use zones near the Central West End and downtown have stricter decibel caps at the residential property line.
SLRC 15.42.070 sets maximum commercial sound levels measured at the receiving residential property line: 60 dBA daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and 55 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Exceedances are documented by Building Division inspectors using calibrated Type 2 sound meters. Common offenders include rooftop HVAC units on strip commercial buildings, refrigerated trailers at grocery loading docks, restaurant exhaust fans in Dogtown and The Hill, and industrial operations along the Mississippi riverfront. Enforcement typically begins with a 30-day abatement notice requiring the business to install sound attenuation (enclosures, baffles, quieter compressors). Failure to comply results in $500-$1,000 fines and referral to the License Collector for business-license review. The Cortex District and Grand Center Arts District have adopted additional overlay sound standards.
30-day abatement notice first. $500-$1,000 fine on non-compliance. Business license review for repeat offenders.
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