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Step 1 of 3Missoula, MT
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"Noise levels are measured 25 feet or more from the source or property line. Between 7 AM and 7 PM, noise levels may be increased by 10 dB(A) for up to 15 minutes in any one-hour period. When a noise source is in multiple zones, the most restrictive limits apply at the zone boundary."
AI Executive Summary
Missoula, MT noise ordinances, codified in Chapter 9.30, prohibit excessive or unusually loud noise within city limits, measured 25 feet or more from the source. Quiet hours are generally 11 PM to 7 AM. Residential limits are 60 dB(A) during the day (7 AM-7 PM) and 55 dB(A) in the evening (7 PM-10 PM). Violations are misdemeanors, subject to fines.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General noise prohibitions and decibel limits apply. The city's noise ordinance has been noted to potentially not align with typical construction noise levels.
Amplified Sound
Amplified sound generally requires a permit for use in select community parks (Bonner, Caras, Playfair, Ft. Missoula, McCormick, Silver, Bess Reed, Rose Memorial) and is generally not permitted in neighborhood parks. A permit from the chief of police is also required for sound-producing devices on public highways.
Animals
Missoula City-County Animal Control addresses issues with domestic animals.
Vehicles
Jake brakes are prohibited. Operating any vehicle, machine, or device in a manner that violates Chapter 9.30 is unlawful.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Missoula protect residents from noise?
60 dB day / 55 dB night
Standard coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Missoula, MT?
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Missoula's quiet hours: 11 PM to 7 AM. 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 Missoula?
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Missoula's residential noise limits: 60 dB(A) (7 AM - 7 PM) dB(A) during the day and 55 dB(A) (7 PM - 10 PM) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not explicitly specified in available snippets. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Missoula?
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Call the Missoula police non-emergency line at 406-552-6300. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 406-552-6630. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Missoula?
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Missoula's noise violation penalties: Violation of the noise ordinance is considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines up to $300.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Missoula?
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Missoula's rules: Missoula City-County Animal Control addresses issues with domestic animals.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 406-541-7387 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Missoula?
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Missoula's construction noise rules: General noise prohibitions and decibel limits apply. The city's noise ordinance has been noted to potentially not align with typical construction noise levels.. 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 Missoula?
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Yes. Missoula's ordinance: Amplified sound generally requires a permit for use in select community parks (Bonner, Caras, Playfair, Ft. Missoula, McCormick, Silver, Bess Reed, Rose Memorial) and is generally not permitted in neighborhood parks. A permit from the chief of police is also required for sound-producing devices on public highways.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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