Reno, NV Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Reno, NV?
| Regulation | Details for Reno, NV |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-6AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 775-334-4636 (Reno Direct for complaints) |
10 PM - 6 AM (residential)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Reno, NV Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Reno, NV?
Reno, NV noise ordinances, primarily Reno Municipal Code Chapter 8.04.010, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise disturbing public comfort or peace. Residential noise limits are 65 dB daytime and 49 dB nighttime (10 PM-6 AM). Construction is generally exempt from 6 AM-7 PM, but new state law permits 5 AM starts from April to September under specific conditions. Animal noise is regulated, and violations can incur fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dB | 49 dB (10 PM - 6 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified (general) | Not specified (general) |
Note: Amplified sound in parks: 50 dB within 50 feet without permit, 75 dB with permit at boundaries. Downtown property maintenance activities should not disturb residents between 11 PM and 6 AM if within 150 feet of residential use. The University of Nevada, Reno, has its own amplified sound policies for campus events.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Exempt from residential noise standards from 6 AM to 7 PM. A new Nevada state law (AB 478) allows construction to start as early as 5 AM between April 1st and September 30th if the site is at least 300 feet from an occupied home, overriding local ordinances.
- Amplified Sound:
Unlawful in parks exceeding 50 dB within 50 feet without a permit; with a permit, not to exceed 75 dB at permitted area boundaries. Unlawful on public streets for commercial advertising without city council permission. University of Nevada, Reno, prohibits outdoor amplified sound between midnight and 7 AM.
- Animals:
Unlawful to keep any animal making loud and frequent noises that annoy the neighborhood (Washoe County Ordinance 55.125). 'Frequent noise' is defined as continuous for 30+ minutes or non-continuous, sporadic noise for 60+ minutes in a 24-hour period, occurring for a week or more.
- Vehicles:
Unlawful to operate radios, stereos, etc., in a vehicle on a public right-of-way or public space if it disturbs people within 50 feet, especially for commercial advertising without city council permission. Officers can act on loud engines, mufflers, and exhausts 25 feet away, but state law requires proof of vehicle modification.
- Alarm Systems:
Audible from adjacent property for longer than ten consecutive minutes, or repeating the ten-minute cycle more than three consecutive times without resetting, is a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reno, NV Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Reno, NV?
10 PM - 6 AM (residential). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Reno, NV?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dB during the day and 49 dB (10 PM - 6 AM) 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 Reno, NV?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Reno, NV police non-emergency line at 775-334-4636 (Reno Direct for complaints). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 775-334-4636 (Reno Direct) or 775-334-2229 (Code Enforcement message line).