Columbia, MO Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Columbia, MO, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Audibility threshold
- 50 feet
- Covers
- shouting, singing, whistling, noise
- Governing section
- § 16-259
- Jurisdiction
- City of Columbia, Boone County, MO
Summary
Columbia, Missouri sets an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew on shouting, singing, whistling and other verbal noise plainly audible 50 feet away, mirroring the overnight threshold used for amplified sound.
It shall be unlawful to shout, sing, whistle or make any verbal utterance or noise at a volume that disturbs the peace, quiet or comfort of the neighboring inhabitants. Shouting, singing, whistling or making other verbal utterances or noises between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the building, structure or outdoor area in which the person is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Section 16-259 bans shouting, singing, whistling or any verbal utterance or noise at a volume that disturbs the peace, quiet or comfort of neighboring inhabitants at any hour, but sets a bright-line overnight standard: between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., if the noise is plainly audible 50 feet from where the person is located, that alone is prima facie evidence of a violation. Columbia runs this same 11 p.m.-7 a.m., 50-foot standard in parallel for amplified sound devices under the separate § 16-258(b), so the city's overnight noise curfew applies consistently whether the source is a voice or a speaker.
Violations & Fines
Making shouting, verbal or other noise plainly audible 50 feet away between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a misdemeanor under § 16-274, fined $75 to $1,000 with up to three months' jail possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do quiet hours start in Columbia, MO?
Does the curfew apply to more than shouting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
How Columbia compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Columbia to another location·View the Missouri noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.