The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Kansas City, MO
Noise Ordinance Overview
You’ve located the ordinance. Now, compare your situation against the legal thresholds to build your case.
Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Limits apply across property lines. A noise disturbance must exceed ambient noise by at least 5 dB(A)."
AI Executive Summary
Kansas City, MO, under its "Kansas City, Missouri, Noise Control Code," prohibits noise disturbances exceeding 60 dB(A) in residential areas from 7 AM to 10 PM and 55 dB(A) from 10 PM to 7 AM. Commercial limits are 80 dB(A). The ordinance addresses various sources, including amplified sound, vehicles, and animal noise, aiming to ensure public health and quality of life.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General construction work is exempt from the overall noise disturbance prohibition, though the Health Department may intervene if noise is overpowering. No specific hours for construction are explicitly stated in the general noise ordinance.
Amplified Sound
Portable sound systems on public spaces or rights-of-way should not be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet between 7 AM and 10 PM. Between 10 PM and 7 AM, sound from such equipment on public space should not be plainly audible to anyone other than the operator.
Animals
Excessive animal noise can constitute a code violation.
Vehicles
Loud music from vehicles should not be plainly audible from 50 feet between 8 AM and 10 PM, or from 25 feet at night. Operating any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or unlicensed construction motor vehicle without a properly functioning muffler or sound-dissipative device is prohibited. A revised ordinance proposed a 'plainly audible standard' (300 feet) for motor vehicles on public right-of-ways from 10 PM to 7 AM. Vehicle noise on private property should remain under 90 dB from 7 AM to 10 PM and under 55 dB from 10 PM to 7 AM.
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