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Boise, ID
Noise Ordinance Overview

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Official Decibel Limits

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Residential Day
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Residential Night
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"Vehicle noise cannot exceed 92 decibels. General decibel limits for residential and commercial areas are not explicitly defined in the provided Boise City Code snippets, but noise is prohibited if "plainly audible" in a residence not the source."

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AI Executive Summary

Gemini AI

Boise, ID noise ordinances, under Boise City Code Chapter 6-20, prohibit loud amplification devices if plainly audible within a non-source residence or 100 feet on a public right-of-way. Vehicle noise cannot exceed 92 decibels. Violations are infractions, with fines starting at $100, increasing to $356.50 for modified vehicle exhausts.

Specific Noise Restrictions

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Construction

Not specified for general construction hours within Boise City Code. Boise County exempts 'Road Equipment' from its noise ordinance.

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Amplified Sound

Unlawful to operate or permit loud amplification devices if the sound is plainly audible within any residence not the source, or upon a public right-of-way at 100 feet or more from the source. Amendments now allow the use of loudspeakers and megaphones in peaceful protests.

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Animals

Excessive animal noise (barking, baying, crying, howling) is prohibited if audible beyond property boundaries for an extended period: either incessantly for 30 minutes (with interruptions less than 20 seconds) or intermittently for 60 minutes within a 24-hour period. Roosters are prohibited.

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Vehicles

Prohibits "excessive exhaust and muffler noise," modifying exhaust systems to make vehicles louder, and unnecessarily revving engines if audible 50 feet away. Vehicle noise cannot exceed 92 decibels.

Noise Protection Score

CAverage

How well does Boise protect residents from noise?

Decibel Limits10/25

Qualitative standard

Quiet Hours20/25

Extensive coverage

Penalties13/25

Standard fines

Coverage25/25

4 noise categories regulated

compare_arrowsCompare Another CityScore: 68/100 — Based on dB limits, quiet hours, penalties, and ordinance breadth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the quiet hours in Boise, ID?

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Boise's quiet hours: Boise City Code focuses on a "plainly audible" standard for noise. However, Ada County, which encompasses Boise, generally prohibits loud or unusual noise between 10 PM and 7 AM.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.

How do I file a noise complaint in Boise?

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Call the Boise police non-emergency line at (208) 377-6790. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (208) 972-8150 (Option 4). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Boise?

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Boise's noise violation penalties: Violation of the general noise ordinance (Boise City Code Chapter 6-20) is an infraction punishable by a fine of $100. For vehicle noise violations, fines can be $100, with specific violations like modified exhaust systems and unnecessary engine revving increasing to $356.50. Animal noise nuisances may lead to a "Complaint Summons" with required complainant signature and evidence after multiple complaints.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.

What are the dog barking rules in Boise?

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Boise's rules: Excessive animal noise (barking, baying, crying, howling) is prohibited if audible beyond property boundaries for an extended period: either incessantly for 30 minutes (with interruptions less than 20 seconds) or intermittently for 60 minutes within a 24-hour period. Roosters are prohibited.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (208) 343-3166 or the police non-emergency line.

When can construction work start in Boise?

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Boise's construction noise rules: Not specified for general construction hours within Boise City Code. Boise County exempts 'Road Equipment' from its noise ordinance.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.

Are there rules about loud music in Boise?

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Yes. Boise's ordinance: Unlawful to operate or permit loud amplification devices if the sound is plainly audible within any residence not the source, or upon a public right-of-way at 100 feet or more from the source. Amendments now allow the use of loudspeakers and megaphones in peaceful protests.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.

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