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Step 1 of 3Lawrence, KS
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Lawrence generally uses an 'ordinary person standard' for noise disturbance rather than specific decibel limits in its primary noise ordinance. Specific decibel limits may exist for certain zoning designations, referring to City Code Sections 46-191 and 7.08.002."
AI Executive Summary
Lawrence, KS noise ordinances, particularly Sections 14-413 and 14-414, prohibit any excessive, unreasonable, or unusually loud noise that disturbs the peace, health, or safety of persons with ordinary sensitivity. Ordinance 17-116.1 specifically addresses amplified sound from vehicles, making it unlawful if audible 50 feet or more away. The city also restricts noise from parties that disturb neighboring inhabitants.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction and demolition work audible at any property line is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM Saturday through Sunday.
Amplified Sound
Operating a sound amplification system from within or upon a motor vehicle on any street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway so that the sound is audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more from the vehicle is unlawful.
Animals
Long-term barking, howling, or other animal sounds that are distracting and annoy neighbors are prohibited. Animals should not disturb the peace.
Vehicles
Operating vehicle sound amplification systems audible 50 feet or more away is prohibited.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Lawrence protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Lawrence, KS?
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Lawrence's quiet hours: General noise that is plainly audible at an adjacent property line, or 50 feet for multi-family dwellings, is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, except on Sundays when the morning hour is 8:00 AM. For construction activity, no work is permitted between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, or between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM Saturday through Sunday.. 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 Lawrence?
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Lawrence's residential noise limits: Not specified in general ordinance. dB(A) during the day and Not specified in general ordinance. dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified in general ordinance.. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Lawrence?
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Call the Lawrence police non-emergency line at (785) 843-0250. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (785) 832-3345. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Lawrence?
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Lawrence's noise violation penalties: Violation of the vehicle amplified sound ordinance can result in a traffic ticket with a minimum fine of $80. Citations are possible for animal control violations. Police officers may order individuals at a disturbing party to disperse in lieu of being charged.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Lawrence?
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Lawrence's rules: Long-term barking, howling, or other animal sounds that are distracting and annoy neighbors are prohibited. Animals should not disturb the peace.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (785) 832-7509 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Lawrence?
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Lawrence's construction noise rules: Construction and demolition work audible at any property line is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM Saturday through Sunday.. 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 Lawrence?
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Yes. Lawrence's ordinance: Operating a sound amplification system from within or upon a motor vehicle on any street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway so that the sound is audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more from the vehicle is unlawful.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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