Noise from Specific Sources in Kentucky (2026)
11 rules on the books across Kentucky, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Noise limits for air conditioners, heat pumps, pool equipment, and other mechanical systems, including decibel thresholds measured at the property line.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Noise regulations specific to bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, including bass frequency limits, soundproofing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Car Alarm Limits
Maximum duration for car alarms before they must auto-silence, penalties for repeated false alarms, and vehicle towing authority for chronic alarm violations.
Bowling Green
Light RestrictionsBowling Green Code Sec. 9-3.04(a) exempts sirens and alarm systems from the general noise ordinance, but a burglar…
Read full rule →Jessamine County
Light RestrictionsIn unincorporated Jessamine County, Kentucky, § 92.36(I)(2) makes sounding any motor vehicle burglar alarm, or any…
Read full rule →Owensboro
Few RestrictionsIn the City of Owensboro, Municipal Code Sec. 17-8(c)(1) carves properly operating vehicle alarm systems out of the…
Read full rule →Generator Noise
Rules for portable and standby generators, including permitted operating hours, decibel limits, and restrictions during non-emergency use.
Delivery Truck Noise
Time-of-day restrictions on commercial delivery trucks operating in residential zones, including back-up beepers, refrigeration units, and engine idling.
Lexington
Some RestrictionsLexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-72 bars loading, unloading, opening, closing or otherwise handling boxes…
Read full rule →Jessamine County
Light RestrictionsIn unincorporated Jessamine County, Kentucky, § 92.36(D) bans loading, unloading, opening, closing or handling boxes…
Read full rule →Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Special bass-frequency (≤125 Hz) sound limits for venues, including dB(C) measurement standards and how cities differentiate bass noise from baseline ambient.
Lexington
Significant RestrictionsLexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-72 bars operating a vehicle's radio, stereo, tape player, record player or CD…
Read full rule →Bowling Green
Some RestrictionsIn Bowling Green, Sec. 9-3.03(b) counts bass reverberations from a vehicle sound system toward the fifty-foot…
Read full rule →Owensboro
Some RestrictionsOwensboro Municipal Code Sec. 17-8(b) bars playing a car stereo or sound system on public property, parks…
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