Columbia, MO Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Columbia, MO?
| Regulation | Details for Columbia, MO |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 311 or (573) 874-7652 |
Generally, loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises are prohibited. Specific quiet hours exist for: amplified sound in the downtown area (e.g., plainly audible at 150 feet from 10 PM-1:30 AM Sunday-Wednesday, and 11 PM-1:30 AM Thursday-Saturday; 50 feet daily from 1:30 AM-7 AM), shouting/verbal utterances (11 PM-7 AM if plainly audible at 50 feet), and construction with heavy machinery (10 PM-7 AM).
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Columbia, MO Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Columbia, MO?
Columbia, MO, noise ordinances prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises that disturb comfort, peace, or safety. Specific rules apply to amplified sound, with varying audible distance limits in the downtown area, and restrictions on shouting, singing, and verbal utterances between 11 PM and 7 AM. Construction noise from heavy machinery is restricted from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | N/A | N/A |
Note: The ordinance primarily uses 'plainly audible' distances for amplified sound and generally prohibits noises that disturb the peace, quiet, or comfort, rather than specific decibel limits.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operation of pile drivers, steam shovels, pneumatic hammers, derricks, steam or electric hoists, or other appliances creating loud or unusual noise is unlawful between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Amplified Sound:
In the downtown area, amplified sound is unlawful if plainly audible at 300 feet (Sunday-Wednesday 7 AM-10 PM, Thursday-Saturday 7 AM-11 PM), 150 feet (Sunday-Wednesday 10 PM-1:30 AM, Thursday-Saturday 11 PM-1:30 AM), and 50 feet (every day 1:30 AM-7 AM). Outside downtown, it is unlawful if it disturbs the peace, quiet, or comfort. Commercial advertising using sound amplifying equipment on public streets, alleys, squares, or over the city is prohibited.
- Animals:
The keeping of any animal or bird that, by causing frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity is unlawful. This includes provisions related to barking or annoying dogs.
- Vehicles:
Unnecessary or harsh sounding of horns/signaling devices, or for an unreasonable period, is unlawful. Using exhaust-operated signaling devices is also unlawful. Vehicles out of repair or loaded in a manner that creates loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise are prohibited. Creating loud and excessive noise during loading or unloading of vehicles, or the opening/destruction of bales, boxes, crates, and containers, is unlawful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia, MO Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Columbia, MO?
Generally, loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises are prohibited. Specific quiet hours exist for: amplified sound in the downtown area (e.g., plainly audible at 150 feet from 10 PM-1:30 AM Sunday-Wednesday, and 11 PM-1:30 AM Thursday-Saturday; 50 feet daily from 1:30 AM-7 AM), shouting/verbal utterances (11 PM-7 AM if plainly audible at 50 feet), and construction with heavy machinery (10 PM-7 AM).. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Columbia, MO?
Residential areas typically have a limit of established limits during the day and stricter limits 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 Columbia, MO?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Columbia, MO police non-emergency line at 311 or (573) 874-7652. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (573) 817-5050.