Lansing, MI Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Lansing, MI?
| Regulation | Details for Lansing, MI |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM (amplified sound), 8PM-7AM (construction weekdays), all weekend (construction) |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 517-483-4600 |
Amplified sound from sound production/reproduction systems (e.g., radios, musical instruments) is prima-facie evidence of a violation if plainly audible at 50 feet between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Noncommercial loudspeakers/public address systems are prohibited if they create a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Construction, drilling, or demolition work creating a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and at any time on weekends or holidays, unless by permit or for emergency work.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Lansing, MI Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Lansing, MI?
Lansing, MI noise ordinances, under Chapter 654, prohibit unnecessary noise disturbances, now primarily enforcing a "plainly audible" standard for general noise, including motor vehicles and multi-unit residences, as of November 2025. Specific restrictions exist for amplified sound and construction activities during designated quiet hours. Certain residential air conditioning units are also regulated by decibel limits.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (plainly audible standard) | Not specified (plainly audible standard) |
| Commercial | Not specified (plainly audible standard) | Not specified (plainly audible standard) |
Note: As of November 2025, Lansing City Council replaced general decibel limits with a 'plainly audible' standard for most noise disturbances, including motor-vehicle and multi-unit residential noise. However, continuous sound from air conditioning and air handling devices in residential areas is restricted to 55 dBA measured at any property line, unless it causes less than a 3 dBA increase over ambient sound.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating tools or equipment for construction, drilling, or demolition work is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and at any time on weekends or holidays, if the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone. Exceptions are made for emergency work by public service utilities or with a temporary/special permit.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating any television, radio, musical instrument, phonograph, or other sound-producing device to create a noise disturbance. Operating such devices between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. plainly audible at 50 feet is prima-facie evidence of a violation. Noncommercial loudspeakers, public address systems, or similar devices are prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if creating a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary. Commercial use of such devices is prohibited if audible in residential or noise-sensitive zones.
- Animals:
Owning, possessing, or harboring any animal which frequently or for continued duration makes sounds creating a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone.
- Vehicles:
Discharging the exhaust of any engine into the open air, except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises. Motor-vehicle noise, including exhaust, horns, and music, is now evaluated by a 'plainly audible' standard as of November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lansing, MI Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Lansing, MI?
Amplified sound from sound production/reproduction systems (e.g., radios, musical instruments) is prima-facie evidence of a violation if plainly audible at 50 feet between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Noncommercial loudspeakers/public address systems are prohibited if they create a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Construction, drilling, or demolition work creating a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and at any time on weekends or holidays, unless by permit or for emergency work.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Lansing, MI?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (plainly audible standard) during the day and Not specified (plainly audible standard) 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 Lansing, MI?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Lansing, MI police non-emergency line at 517-483-4600. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 517-483-4361.