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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in New Orleans, Louisiana
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (weekdays) and 22:00-08:00 (weekends) - lower residential limits apply; additional plainly audible curfew for amplified sound.
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-08:00.
Construction weekdays: No single citywide clock; construction must meet Table 1 limits at receivers. Outdoor power equipment is prohibited 22:00-07:00.
Construction weekends: Same approach; outdoor power equipment prohibited 22:00-08:00.
New Orleans' Chapter 66, Article IV - Noise sets receiving-property limits (Table 1). For residential or public space the typical limits are no more than 60 dBA L10 (07:00-22:00) and 55 dBA L10 (22:00-07:00; weekends start 08:00), with corresponding Lmax caps. There are also plainly audible quiet-hour rules for amplified sound in dwellings. See the Code.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (weekdays) and 22:00-08:00 (weekends) - lower residential limits apply; additional plainly audible curfew for amplified sound.
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-08:00.
Decibel limits
60 dBA daytime / 55 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
No single citywide clock; construction must meet Table 1 limits at receivers. Outdoor power equipment is prohibited 22:00-07:00.
Weekends: Same approach; outdoor power equipment prohibited 22:00-08:00.
Lawn equipment
Outdoors in residential zones: not between 22:00-07:00 (weekdays) and 22:00-08:00 (weekends); daytime limits are 75 dBA at 50 ft for equipment 5 hp or less (82 dBA if above 5 hp).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Plainly audible sound in or into neighboring dwellings is unlawful: Sunday through Thursday 21:00-10:00; Friday and Saturday 22:30-10:00 (Section 66-203(3)(d)-(e)). Devices in parks or playgrounds require permits and have separate limits.
Typical fines
Varies by section and enforcement agency (NOPD or Health and Safety and Permits); penalties escalate for repeat violations.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via NOLA 311 for non-emergency service (routing to Health and Safety and Permits); NOPD for active disturbances.. 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://nola311.org/ or call NOLA 311 for non-emergency service (routing to Health and Safety and Permits); NOPD for active disturbances.. 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 - New Orleans lowers residential limits after 10 p.m., and amplified music cannot be plainly audible into neighboring homes overnight (Sun-Thu 9 p.m.-10 a.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 p.m.-10 a.m.). We have been hearing {{describe noise}} around {{times}}. Could you keep it down during those hours? Thanks.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we are experiencing recurring noise from {{unit/location}}. Under City Code Chapter 66 (Noise), residential limits are 60 dBA (day) and 55 dBA (night) and there are plainly audible quiet-hours for amplified sound. Incidents on {{dates/times}}. Could you assist? I can share a 311 case number and brief log.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: New Orleans Code of Ordinances - Chapter 66, Article IV (Noise)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If construction runs after 6 p.m. near residential zoning (or within 300 ft), note the zoning and include photos of site signage in your report.
- For amplified music complaints, cite the plainly audible quiet-hour window that applies to your day of week and record where you measured (inside or at the property line).
- Use NOLA 311 to create a case number; for live disturbances, call police while the noise is occurring.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.