Johnson County, IA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Johnson County, IA, 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 PM to 7 AM typical
- Disorderly House
- Iowa City Code 8-5-5
- First Offense
- $750 civil penalty
- Repeat
- $1,000 civil penalty
- State Law
- Iowa Code 723.4
Summary
Iowa City enforces its noise ordinance and a well-known disorderly house rule aimed at loud student rentals near campus. Overnight noise disturbances draw police citations, and repeat nuisance parties carry civil penalties of $750 or more.
Makes loud and raucous noise in the vicinity of any residence or public building which intentionally or recklessly causes unreasonable distress to the occupants thereof.
Full Breakdown
Iowa City's noise control code (Title 6, Chapter 4) prohibits noise disturbances, and amplified sound is generally not allowed in residential areas. The city layers on its disorderly house ordinance (Code 8-5-5): a tenant or owner who lets loud, raucous parties continue faces a municipal infraction of $750 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeats, plus a simple misdemeanor charge. State law, Iowa Code 723.4, makes loud and raucous noise near a residence a simple misdemeanor. In unincorporated Johnson County, the sheriff enforces 723.4 and the county nuisance ordinance. Coralville and North Liberty run their own noise codes.
Violations & Fines
Disorderly house: $750 first offense, $1,000 for repeats, plus a possible simple misdemeanor. State disorderly conduct under 723.4 is a simple misdemeanor. Repeat nuisance parties can jeopardize a rental permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iowa City's disorderly house rule?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Iowa Code
Other rules in Johnson County
How Johnson County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Johnson County to another location·View the Iowa noise ordinances overview
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