Meridian, ID Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Meridian, ID, 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 6:00 a.m.
- Threshold
- audible 50 feet from source
- Penalty
- misdemeanor citywide
- Enforced by
- Meridian Police Department
- Also prohibited
- peace-disturbing noise, any hour
Summary
Meridian bans noise audible 50 feet from its source between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., alongside a broader disturbance-of-the-peace noise standard enforced citywide as a misdemeanor.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from such property:
1. Sounds or noise at a volume that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort or enjoyment of others;
2. Sounds or noise in a location that prevents the activities of a business, or enjoyment of a residence; or
3. Sounds and or noise between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. audible fifty (50) feet or farther from the source.
B. Exceptions. The prohibition of this section shall not apply to sounds necessary to protect public safety, including those caused by:
1. Any emergency vehicle or personnel when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency.
2. Lawful movement of vehicles on public roadways.
3. Locomotives or other railroad equipment.
4. Burglar or fire alarms that are not in violation of this code.
5. Safety warning devices required by law.
6. Activity allowed by Title 11 , Meridian City Code, or pursuant to a government agency's permit, code, or order.
C. Violation, penalties. A violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 12-1517, 6-26-2012, eff. 7-1-2012; Ord. No. 26-2117 , § 1, 3-3-2026)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Meridian City Code section 6-3-6 makes it unlawful to allow noise to originate from a property between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if it is audible fifty feet or farther from the source. The same section separately bars noise at any hour that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort, or enjoyment of others, or that prevents a business from operating or a resident from enjoying a residence. Exceptions cover emergency vehicles, lawful traffic movement, trains, code-compliant alarms, required safety warning devices, and activity permitted under Meridian's Title 11 land use code. The Meridian Police Department enforces the section citywide.
Violations & Fines
Violating Meridian City Code 6-3-6 is a misdemeanor prosecuted by the city; each violation can bring criminal fines and possible jail time under Idaho misdemeanor sentencing law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Meridian's quiet hours?
Is loud noise illegal outside quiet hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
How Meridian compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Meridian to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview
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