The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Des Moines, IA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
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