Jefferson Parish, LA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Jefferson Parish, LA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Code section
- Sec. 20-102
- Applies to
- Unincorporated parish incl. Metairie
- Night residential limit
- ~55 dBA (10 p.m.–6:59 a.m.)
- Day residential limit
- ~60 dBA (7 a.m.–9:59 p.m.)
- Cities exempt
- Kenner, Gretna, Harahan, etc.
Summary
Jefferson Parish's noise ordinance (Sec. 20-102) governs the unincorporated parish, including Metairie. It caps sound in residential areas near 60 dBA in daytime and 55 dBA at night (10 p.m.–6:59 a.m.), measured at the property line.
No person shall operate or cause to be operated any source from any location … in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth in Table 1 for the receiving land use category … when measured at or beyond the property boundary … from which the sound emanates.
Full Breakdown
Section 20-102 of the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances regulates noise across the unincorporated parish. Subsection (f), "Maximum permissible sound limits," makes it unlawful to operate any source that exceeds the decibel limits in Table 1 for the receiving land-use category, measured at or beyond the property boundary. Reported values for residential noise-sensitive areas are about 60 dBA during 7:00 a.m.–9:59 p.m. and 55 dBA during 10:00 p.m.–6:59 a.m. Because the parish charter exempts incorporated cities, the ordinance does not apply inside Kenner, Gretna, Harahan, Westwego, Grand Isle, or Jean Lafitte, those cities set their own quiet hours.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by parish code compliance and the Sheriff's Office; violations of Section 20-102 are misdemeanors punishable by fine, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the parish noise rule cover Metairie?
Where is the limit measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson Parish
How Jefferson Parish compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Jefferson Parish to another location·View the Louisiana noise ordinances overview
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