Des Moines, IA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Des Moines, IA?
| Regulation | Details for Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (515) 283-4811 |
10PM-7AM (residential night, construction, powered model vehicles, recreational vehicles)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Des Moines, IA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA's Noise Control Ordinance (Chapter 42, Article IV of the Municipal Code) prohibits noise disturbances and sets specific decibel limits. Residential quiet hours are generally 10 PM to 7 AM, with varying day and night decibel maximums. Permits are required for amplified sound, and restrictions exist for construction, animals, and vehicles to prevent nuisances. Violations can lead to citations and fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 60 dBA (7 AM - 10 PM) | 50 dBA (10 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA (at all times) | 65 dBA (at all times) |
Note: Industrial areas have a 75 dBA limit at all times. Noise sensitive areas have a 55 dBA limit at all times. For any source of sound emitting a pure tone, maximum sound level limits are reduced by 5 dBA.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
No person shall operate or permit the operation of any tools or equipment in construction, drilling, or demolition work between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Permits may be required for construction activities beyond permitted hours.
- Amplified Sound:
Generally, no person shall operate sound equipment to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or outdoors within a noise sensitive area. Permits are required for sound equipment on public streets or premises. Specific permit types exist with varying decibel limits and hours. For example, sound equipment under a Type E permit for street closings can be used from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. Residential events with a Type D permit allow up to 65 dBA from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..
- Animals:
No person shall own, possess or harbor any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration emits sounds native to the species which are a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise sensitive area. Animal noise complaints are handled by ARL Animal Services after being reported to DMPD non-emergency dispatch.
- Vehicles:
Operation of powered model vehicles in public or private spaces outdoors or within a noise sensitive area is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Repairing, rebuilding, modifying, or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorboat in a manner that causes a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or outdoors within a noise sensitive area is prohibited. Recreational vehicles are not permitted on public or private land between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if sound levels exceed specified limits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines, IA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Des Moines, IA?
10PM-7AM (residential night, construction, powered model vehicles, recreational vehicles). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Des Moines, IA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 60 dBA (7 AM - 10 PM) during the day and 50 dBA (10 PM - 7 AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Des Moines, IA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Des Moines, IA police non-emergency line at (515) 283-4811. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (515) 283-4207 (Zoning Enforcement for noise complaints).