Coeur d'Alene, ID Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

The City of Coeur d'Alene handles loud gatherings through two provisions, and neither is a stand-alone party ordinance. Section 5.24.030, titled Noise Abatement, targets amplified sound. It defines a sound amplification system as any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker or any other electrical or mechanical device used for the amplification of sound, and defines plainly audible as any audible sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. Subsection C makes it unlawful to operate or permit the operation of such a system on a street, highway, alley, sidewalk, parking lot, driveway, park, beach, motor vehicle or public right-of-way in a way that disturbs the peace, quiet or comfort of a reasonable person or makes the sound plainly audible at fifty feet or more. Because the text says operate or permit, it is not limited to the person touching the speaker. Subsection D says the content of the sound is not considered. The text names a list of locations; it does not list a backyard or the inside of a house, though a driveway and a public right-of-way are on the list.

Section 9.22.010(B), under Disorderly Conduct, applies anywhere within the city limits. A person commits the offense by willfully making noise that is unreasonable, considering the nature of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. Subsection C adds violent, noisy or riotous behavior that would be frightening or offensive to a reasonable person who might be expected to be in the vicinity. Chapter 9.22 prints no decibel figure, so the standard is reasonableness by conduct, location and time.

Subsection I of section 5.24.030 lets the City Administrator or Parks Director, or their designees, allow amplified sound systems on public property for a special event or other permitted event, subject to reasonable conditions. The section does not apply to emergency vehicles or City vehicles operated in their work capacity.