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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Evansville, IN
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"General outdoor limit is 75 dB(A) at the property line. Construction noise limit is 80 dB(A). Motor vehicle noise limit is 80 dB(A). Amplified chimes and bells are limited to 75 dB(A) from 6 AM to 10 PM and 70 dB(A) from 10 PM to 6 AM. Measurements are determined by the general nature of the affected district, not the specific receiving property."
AI Executive Summary
Evansville, IN, noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 9.30 REGULATION OF NOISE, establish a general outdoor decibel limit of 75 dB(A) for residential and commercial areas. Specific quiet hours for amplified sound are 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends. Enforcement is managed by the Evansville Police Department (EPD) and the Evansville Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with penalties ranging from warnings to significant fines and permit suspensions.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Noise from construction activities shall not exceed 80 dB(A). If construction work exceeds limits for more than two hours and continues over one day, sound shielding is required.
Amplified Sound
Outdoor events using loudspeakers or other artificial/electric amplification may not continue between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Animals
Long prolonged animal noise can lead to a complaint after 9 PM and before 6 AM. In Vanderburgh County, unnecessary animal noises are prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Vehicles
Noise levels from light motor vehicles exceeding 80 dB(A) are a violation. This includes excessive noise from defective/modified exhaust systems, acceleration, deceleration, revving, tire squeal, or vehicle audio devices. Motorcycles must have compliant mufflers.
Landscaping
Landscaping work is permitted from dusk until dawn, except on Sundays, which starts at 7 AM.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Evansville protect residents from noise?
75 dB day / 75 dB night
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
5 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Evansville, IN?
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Evansville's quiet hours: 10PM-7AM (Sunday-Thursday), 11PM-7AM (Friday-Saturday) for amplified sound. Animal noise is a factor between 9PM-6AM.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Evansville?
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Evansville's residential noise limits: 75 dB(A) dB(A) during the day and 75 dB(A) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 75 dB(A). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Evansville?
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Call the Evansville police non-emergency line at (812) 436-7896. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (812) 436-7885. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Evansville?
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Evansville's noise violation penalties: For non-minor violations within a 12-month period: First violation is a formal written warning. Second is $50.00. Third is $150.00. Fourth is $500.00. Fifth and subsequent violations are $500.00 to $7,500.00 and an order to cease use of noise-making devices. A violation of the outdoor amplified sound restriction incurs a penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than $7,500.00 per violation, per day.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Evansville?
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Evansville's rules: Long prolonged animal noise can lead to a complaint after 9 PM and before 6 AM. In Vanderburgh County, unnecessary animal noises are prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (812) 435-6015 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Evansville?
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Evansville's construction noise rules: Noise from construction activities shall not exceed 80 dB(A). If construction work exceeds limits for more than two hours and continues over one day, sound shielding is required.. 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 Evansville?
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Yes. Evansville's ordinance: Outdoor events using loudspeakers or other artificial/electric amplification may not continue between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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