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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Louisville, Kentucky
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 21:00-07:00 (construction and landscaping are explicitly exempt only between 07:00-21:00; other noise is subject to a reasonable-person standard at all times).
Weekends/holidays: 21:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-21:00 (explicit exemption window; outside hours are potentially citable).
Construction weekends: 07:00-21:00 (same exemption window; outside hours are potentially citable).
Louisville Metro enforces a reasonable-person noise standard in LMCO Chapter 99. Construction, demolition, and landscaping are expressly allowed only between 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; outside those hours, noise may violate §99.02. Penalties escalate for repeat offenses. See Chapter 99: Noise and submit non-emergency service requests via Metro311.
Residential quiet hours
21:00-07:00 (construction and landscaping are explicitly exempt only between 07:00-21:00; other noise is subject to a reasonable-person standard at all times).
Weekends & holidays: 21:00-07:00
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-21:00 (explicit exemption window; outside hours are potentially citable).
Weekends: 07:00-21:00 (same exemption window; outside hours are potentially citable).
Lawn equipment
07:00-21:00 (explicit exemption for lawn and landscaping equipment).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Unreasonable sound from radios, stereos, or vehicle audio that disturbs others is prohibited; Louisville Metro Police handle active disturbances. No distance- or decibel-based thresholds are codified in Chapter 99.
Typical fines
$100-$250 (first offense); $250-$500 (second within 2 years); $500-$1,000 (third within 2 years). Each day or occurrence is a separate offense.
First offense: ~$100 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Metro311 for non-emergency code issues; Louisville Metro Police non-emergency for active noise complaints.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro311 or call Metro311 for non-emergency code issues; Louisville Metro Police non-emergency for active noise complaints.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi — Louisville allows construction and landscaping noise only 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Outside those hours, loud noise can violate Chapter 99. Could you keep it down after 9 p.m.? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we’re experiencing recurring noise from [unit/address]. Under LMCO Chapter 99, construction/demolition and landscaping are limited to 7 a.m.-9 p.m., and unreasonably loud sound is prohibited at all times. Please remind tenants or contractors; I can share our incident log.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances — Chapter 99: Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If construction or landscaping occurs after 21:00 or before 07:00, document exact times and activity type; reference §99.03(B)(3) or (5).
- For venue or vehicle audio, describe whether it disturbed reasonable persons nearby and its duration (factors considered under §99.03(A)).
- Use Metro311 for documentation; call Louisville Metro Police non-emergency for active disturbances and record the incident number.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.