Burlington, VT Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Burlington's noise framework is set by Code of Ordinances Chapter 21 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Section 21-13. Subsection (b)(1) prohibits any loud or unreasonable noise that disturbs, injures, or endangers the peace, health, safety, or welfare of others. Quiet hours run 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and noise plainly audible between apartments or dwelling units during that window is per se unreasonable under §21-13. The reasonableness standard considers time, place, and nature of the sound, supplementing the plainly-audible test. Section 21-13 also expressly prohibits loud parties, amplified music outdoors, and habitual disturbances. Enforcement is by the Burlington Police Department; complaints route to the non-emergency line at (802) 658-2704. Civil penalties under the Burlington ticketing schedule are a minimum $200 for a first general noise violation and $300 for a second within 24 months; party and social-gathering violations start at $300 per resident or offender, escalating to $400 for a second offense, and a third violation in 24 months triggers criminal prosecution with fines up to $500. Construction noise is separately regulated under Burlington's construction noise policy with daytime hours typically 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Vermont enabling authority for municipal noise rules derives from 24 V.S.A. §2291(14).