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Lincoln, NE Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

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

Quiet hours in Lincoln, NE, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Daytime limit
60 db(a), 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Nighttime limit
50 db(a), 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
Enforcing agency
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept.
Territorial reach
City limits plus 3-mile extraterritorial area

Summary

Lincoln drops residential sound limits after 10 p.m., cutting the daytime dB(A) ceiling by 10 points until 7 a.m. under the city noise ordinance.

Operating, playing, or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary...The standards are 60 db(a), maximum three minute Leq, for the time period 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and 50 db(a), maximum three minute Leq, for the time period 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Source: Lincoln Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 8.24.090(a)(1) sets property-line noise standards for radios, TVs, and similar devices at 60 db(a) (three-minute Leq) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., dropping to 50 db(a) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department administers and enforces the citywide noise control program, which also reaches three miles beyond city limits under § 8.24.040.

Violations & Fines

Enforced by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department; violations are prosecuted under the penalty provisions of § 8.24.170.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Lincoln's noise limits get stricter?
At 10 p.m. the property-line limit for devices like radios and TVs drops from 60 db(a) to 50 db(a), staying lower until 7 a.m.
Who enforces Lincoln's nighttime noise rule?
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department administers and investigates violations of the noise control program.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

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

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