Ada County, ID Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Ada County, ID, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Ada County
- Standard
- Plainly audible / 100 feet
- Summer landscaping
- May start 6:00 AM Jun-Aug
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor (I.C. 18-113)
Summary
In unincorporated Ada County, loud or offensive noise is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Noise is 'loud or unusual' if plainly audible in another residence or 100 feet away on a public street. Violations are a misdemeanor.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for and further the safety, health, peace, good order, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of Ada County by providing a procedure for abating loud or offensive noises within the County between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 1018, passed 3-24-2026).
Full Breakdown
Ada County Code chapter 13 (the county noise ordinance) governs unincorporated land; cities like Boise, Meridian, Eagle and Kuna have their own codes. Section 5-13-3 bars any person or business from making, causing or allowing loud or unusual noise from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM that disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness. Noise is deemed loud or unusual when plainly audible inside another residence or business, or 100 feet or more away on a public right-of-way. A limited summer exception lets landscape maintenance begin at 6:00 AM in June, July and August due to extreme heat.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of chapter 13 is a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in Idaho Code section 18-113. Enforced by the Ada County Sheriff's code enforcement unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these hours apply inside Boise?
How is 'too loud' measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
How Ada County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.