Lake Charles, LA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Lake Charles, LA?
| Regulation | Details for Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office: (337) 491-3700 |
Generally, significant noise restrictions apply from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM on weekends and federal holidays for specific activities such as construction, vehicle repair, and commercial refuse collection. General impulsive sound limits are stricter between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office: (337) 491-3700How to file a complaint →Lake Charles, LA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles, LA noise ordinances, codified in Section 13-7.1 "Excessive noise," prohibit loud, harsh, or offensive sounds deemed a public nuisance. Key restrictions include operating power tools or yard equipment before 7 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. weekends, and after 10 p.m. Additionally, impulsive sounds should not exceed 80 decibels (dBc) during specified hours. Specific rules apply to construction, vehicles, and amplified sound, especially within the Downtown Development District.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified as a separate residential limit. | Not specified as a separate residential limit. |
| Commercial | Not specified as a separate commercial limit. | Not specified as a separate commercial limit. |
Note: Impulsive sound should not equal or exceed 80 dB(C) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., impulsive sound occurring less than four times in any hour should not exceed 80 dB(C); if it repeats four or more times, it's measured as continuous sound. For the Downtown Development District (T4 Zone), ambient sound levels measured at the building frontage shall not exceed 70dB from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 60dB from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday-Thursday. Friday-Saturday limits are 70dB from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. and 60dB from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Amplified sound levels in this district shall not exceed 90dB from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General power tools and yard equipment are prohibited before 7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, and after 10 p.m.. Construction and demolition activities, including power tools and mechanical devices, are restricted between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on weekdays, and before 7:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, all day Sundays, or federal holidays, unless a variance is granted.
- Amplified Sound:
Amplified sound or noises from lawful activities within the lakefront downtown development district are permissible from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following day, seven days a week.. Playing amplified or non-amplified musical instruments plainly audible at 50 feet from the source is prohibited if it annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers comfort, health, peace, or safety. (See also Decibel Limits notes for Downtown Development District specific limits).
- Animals:
Not specifically detailed in the provided noise ordinance excerpts beyond general noise disturbance. Animal control contact information is provided for related issues.
- Vehicles:
Repair or testing of any motor vehicle is restricted between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays. Operation of vehicles with muffler systems that produce excessive noise, unnecessary tire squealing, or sounding horns except as warnings are prohibited. Use of gongs or sirens is restricted to emergency vehicles. Commercial refuse or recyclables collection vehicles cannot operate within 250 feet of residential property between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Charles, LA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Lake Charles, LA?
Generally, significant noise restrictions apply from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM on weekends and federal holidays for specific activities such as construction, vehicle repair, and commercial refuse collection. General impulsive sound limits are stricter between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Lake Charles, LA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified as a separate residential limit. during the day and Not specified as a separate residential limit. 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 Lake Charles, LA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Lake Charles, LA police non-emergency line at Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office: (337) 491-3700. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at City of Lake Charles Code Enforcement/Property Standards: (337) 491-1295. General Ordinance Enforcement: (337) 491-1334..