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Step 1 of 3St. Louis, MO
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Ordinance 68130 (City of St. Louis) and 625.050 (St. Louis County) refer to permissible noise levels, likely in Table I, which is not directly available. Amplified sound exceeding 86 dB(A) measured 50 feet from the source is prohibited by Ordinance 14.05.095 in the City of St. Louis."
AI Executive Summary
St. Louis, MO noise ordinances, primarily Ordinance 68130, provide comprehensive noise control through the Health Commissioner. Key restrictions include quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM for stationary sources, and specific construction limitations. Vehicle noise and amplified sound are also regulated, with penalties ranging from fines up to $1,000 to vehicle impoundment for violations.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction, demolition, and excavating within 1,000 feet of residential property are prohibited before 6:00 AM and after 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, these activities are prohibited before 6:00 AM and after 12:00 AM, except in cases of urgent necessity for public safety.
Amplified Sound
Operating any device for producing or reproducing sound in a motor vehicle or room at a louder volume than necessary for convenient, normal hearing for voluntary listeners inside the vehicle/room is prohibited. Additionally, amplified sound exceeding 86 decibels on an A-weighted scale, when measured across property lines fifty feet or more from the source, is prohibited.
Animals
Dogs and cats must be leashed and securely held when off the owner's property, except in designated dog parks. No more than four domestic animals may be kept on any one parcel of residential-zoned property without a non-commercial kennel permit. Tethering outdoors is limited to ten continuous hours, not exceeding 12 hours in a 24-hour period, with specific tether requirements.
Vehicles
Motor vehicles must have an exhaust system in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise. The use of muffler cut-outs, bypasses, straight pipes, or modified exhaust systems that amplify noise is prohibited. Unnecessary excessive noise or the use of radios, loudspeakers, or sound amplifiers in vehicles is also prohibited.
Noise Protection Score
How well does St. Louis protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in St. Louis, MO?
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St. Louis's quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM (general noise for stationary sources). Construction activities near residential properties are restricted before 6:00 AM and after 11:00 PM (Mon-Fri) and before 6:00 AM and after 12:00 AM (Sat-Sun).. 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 St. Louis?
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St. Louis's residential noise limits: Not specified dB(A) during the day and Not specified dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in St. Louis?
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Call the St. Louis police non-emergency line at (314) 231-1212. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (314) 622-4800 (Citizens' Service Bureau). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in St. Louis?
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St. Louis's noise violation penalties: Violations of municipal code can result in fines up to $1,000.00 plus costs. Specific to vehicle noise and amplified sound, penalties include fines and potential seizure and impoundment of vehicles. Peace disturbance under Missouri state law can be a Class B misdemeanor for a first conviction, Class A for a second, and result in fines between $1,000 and $5,000 for a third or subsequent conviction.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in St. Louis?
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St. Louis's rules: Dogs and cats must be leashed and securely held when off the owner's property, except in designated dog parks. No more than four domestic animals may be kept on any one parcel of residential-zoned property without a non-commercial kennel permit. Tethering outdoors is limited to ten continuous hours, not exceeding 12 hours in a 24-hour period, with specific tether requirements.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (314) 657-1500 (Animal Care and Control, business hours); (314) 231-1212 (after hours/weekends) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in St. Louis?
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St. Louis's construction noise rules: Construction, demolition, and excavating within 1,000 feet of residential property are prohibited before 6:00 AM and after 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, these activities are prohibited before 6:00 AM and after 12:00 AM, except in cases of urgent necessity for public safety.. 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 St. Louis?
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Yes. St. Louis's ordinance: Operating any device for producing or reproducing sound in a motor vehicle or room at a louder volume than necessary for convenient, normal hearing for voluntary listeners inside the vehicle/room is prohibited. Additionally, amplified sound exceeding 86 decibels on an A-weighted scale, when measured across property lines fifty feet or more from the source, is prohibited.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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