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Kirkwood, MO Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Quiet hours in Kirkwood, MO, 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
11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Audibility threshold
Plainly audible at 50 feet
Base offense
§ 17-69 disturbing noises prohibited
Enforcement
Kirkwood Police Department
Penalty
$5-$1,000 fine or up to 3 months jail

Summary

Kirkwood's disturbing-noises ordinance makes it a violation to run a radio, TV, phonograph or similar device loud enough to disturb neighbors, and sets a bright-line curfew: any such device audible 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is prima facie evidence of a violation. Yelling and shouting on public streets face the same overnight window.

(b) Radios, televisions, phonographs, etc. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, television set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants, or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person who is in the room, vehicle or chamber in which such machine or device is operated and who is a voluntary listener thereto. The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. ... (d) Yelling, shouting, etc. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.

Full Breakdown

Section 17-69 of the Kirkwood Code makes it unlawful to make or continue any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others in the city, with narrow exceptions for City work vehicles on public business and street excavations performed at night when daytime work is impossible. Section 17-70 lists specific conduct that violates that general ban, including operating a radio, television set, musical instrument or phonograph in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants.

and can plainly be heard 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle where it sits, that fact alone is prima facie evidence of a violation, so an officer does not need to prove intent or actual annoyance, only the volume and the clock. window to yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets, and separately bars that conduct at any hour if it disturbs a specific person's quiet, comfort or repose. Kirkwood Police officers cite these violations directly off the audibility test rather than a decibel meter.

Because Chapter 17 sets no specific fine for this offense, a violation is punished under the Code's general penalty, Section 1-14: a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $1,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Kirkwood Police Department officers cite violations of Section 17-70(b) or (d) directly off the 50-foot, 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. audibility standard, no measured decibel reading required. Because Chapter 17 sets no specific fine for this offense, Section 1-14's general penalty applies: not less than $5 nor more than $1,000, up to three months in jail, or both, with each night of continued noise counted as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kirkwood have set quiet hours?
Yes. Under Section 17-70(b), operating a radio, TV or similar device loud enough to be heard 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is treated as prima facie evidence of a noise violation, no additional proof of disturbance needed.
What is the fine for a first noise violation in Kirkwood?
Chapter 17 sets no specific fine for disturbing noises, so the Code's general penalty in Section 1-14 applies: not less than $5 nor more than $1,000, imprisonment up to three months, or both.
Can I be cited for yelling on the street late at night?
Yes. Section 17-70(d) applies the same 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. window to yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets, and bars it at any hour if it disturbs a specific neighbor's peace.

Sources & Official References

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How Kirkwood compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Kirkwood to another location·View the Missouri noise ordinances overview

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