Billings, MT Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Billings, MT, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Night window
- 8:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Residential night max
- 55 dB(A) (45 dB(A) avg)
- Residential day max
- 65 dB(A) (55 dB(A) avg)
- Outdoor events (non-downtown)
- must end by 9-10 p.m.
- Penalty
- civil infraction, Sec. 18-1304
Summary
Billings drops its noise ceiling every night: residential sound must stay under 55 dB(A) max (45 dB(A) average) from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., versus the 65/55 dB(A) daytime cap allowed 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
(a)The permissible noise exposure limits from non-exempt noise sources in residential, commercial and industrial districts are as provided in Table 1 below.(b)At boundaries between zones, the lower of the dB(A) level shall be applicable. Table 1—Limitations
Maximum Permissible Noise Limits Zone Day 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Night 8:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m.
Residential 65 dB(A) 55 dB(A) Commercial 80 dB(A) 60 dB(A) Industrial 90 dB(A) 80 dB(A) Average Permissible Noise Limits Zone Day 7:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Night
8:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. Residential 55 dB(A) 45 dB(A) Commercial 70 dB(A) 50 dB(A) Industrial 80 dB(A) 70 dB(A)
(c)Noise measured by trained and qualified city officials on a complainant's property in excess of the limits established for the zones and times in Table I above constitutes prima facie evidence that such noise is a public nuisance, except in circumstances as provided in sections 17-104 and 17-105, or if a waiver has been granted under section 17-107. (Ord. No. 13-5603, § 1, 5-28-13; Ord. No. 19-5728, § 2, 12-9-19)
Cross reference— Operation of loud sound amplification systems in motor vehicles, § 24-351 et seq.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 17-103 sets a two-tier decibel table for residential, commercial and industrial zones, with the night window running 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Residential noise measured on a complainant's property that exceeds the applicable limit is prima facie evidence of a public nuisance, unless it falls under an exemption in Sec. 17-105 or a waiver granted under Sec. 17-107. Outdoor events also face a separate curfew under Sec. 17-104: 9:00 p.m. (Sun–Thu) or 10:00 p.m. (Fri–Sat) outside downtown, an hour later inside the Central Business District and East Billings Urban Renewal District.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction with civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and persistent noise can also be enjoined as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do stricter noise limits start in Billings?
Can I get in trouble for noise even under the decibel limit?
Can outdoor events run later than the standard curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana noise ordinances overview
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