Quiet hours in Louisville, KY — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Louisville Metro Code Chapter 99 prohibits unreasonably loud, harsh, or excessive noise that disturbs others. Construction near residential property is banned from 9 PM to 7 AM. General noise enforcement uses a reasonableness standard with civil penalties ranging from $100 to $1,000 per offense.
LMCO Chapter 99 (§ 99.02) makes it unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause any unreasonably loud, harsh, or excessive noise that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others. The ordinance does not set specific time-based quiet hours for all residential noise; instead it uses a totality-of-circumstances reasonableness test under § 99.03 that considers proximity to residential areas, health care facilities, churches, and schools; nature and zoning of the area; and density of inhabitation. However, construction and demolition activity is explicitly restricted: exterior work within 100 feet of residential property is prohibited between 9 PM and 7 AM. Portable generators are limited to 70 dBA. The ordinance was last amended by Louisville Metro Ordinance No. 186-2019, effective May 30, 2020.
Civil offense enforced through the Code Enforcement Board. First offense (within 2 years): $100–$250 fine. Second offense (within 2 years): $250–$500 fine. Third offense (within 2 years): $500–$1,000 fine. Each separate occurrence constitutes a separate offense.
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