South Bend, IN Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in South Bend, IN, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 55 dBA, 10 PM-7 AM
- Day limit
- 62 dBA, 7 AM-10 PM
- Commercial limit
- 64 dBA any time
- Plainly audible rule
- 50 ft (Sec. 13-57)
- Max penalty
- Up to $2,500
Summary
Residential noise is capped at 55 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM and 62 dBA during the day under Sec. 13-82. Sec. 13-57 separately bars sound plainly audible 50 feet away, presumed a violation between 11 PM and 7 AM.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause the sound pressure level to exceed the limits listed below at any point on the boundary of the property.
Full Breakdown
South Bend enforces measured limits under Article 7: at the property boundary, residential districts may not exceed a broadband level of 55 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 62 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; commercial districts are capped at 64 dBA (Sec. 13-82). The general nuisance section, Sec. 13-57, independently prohibits any unreasonable noise and treats sound plainly audible 50 feet from the source as a violation, with 11 PM to 7 AM as prima facie evidence. The Police Department enforces; the City Attorney handles abatement.
Violations & Fines
Article 7 fines run $50 first offense, $100 second, and $250 third, with up to $2,500 on conviction (Sec. 13-84). Sec. 13-57 fines are $100, $250, then $500, plus a $50 late fee. Each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are South Bend's quiet hours?
How loud is too loud at night?
What is the fine for a noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Bend
How South Bend compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare South Bend to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
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