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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Kansas City, Missouri
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
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Default quiet hours: 22:00-07:00 (nighttime period for residential limits in Table I).
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-07:00.
Construction weekdays: No fixed citywide construction clock; sources must meet Table I limits. Specific bans include loading or unloading 22:00-07:00 if it disturbs across a residential boundary and refuse or recycling collection 20:00-07:00 in or near residential areas.
Construction weekends: Same as weekdays (limit-based).
Kansas City, Missouri regulates noise by receiving property and time of day under Chapter 46 - Noise Control. For residential receivers the limits are no more than 60 dBA (07:00-22:00) and 55 dBA (22:00-07:00), with octave-band limits as well. Violations generally require at least 5 dB over ambient, and certain plainly audible rules apply. See Section 46-4 and Section 46-5.
Residential quiet hours
22:00-07:00 (nighttime period for residential limits in Table I).
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-07:00.
Decibel limits
60 dBA daytime / 55 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
No fixed citywide construction clock; sources must meet Table I limits. Specific bans include loading or unloading 22:00-07:00 if it disturbs across a residential boundary and refuse or recycling collection 20:00-07:00 in or near residential areas.
Weekends: Same as weekdays (limit-based).
Lawn equipment
Domestic power tools (yard or DIY) prohibited 22:00-07:00 on or near residential property unless within Table I limits.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Plainly audible sound across a residential property line at 50 ft is prohibited. Vehicular stereos must stay within 50 ft by day (08:00-22:00) and 25 ft at night (22:00-08:00). Portable sound in public space must not be plainly audible beyond 50 ft by day and only to the operator at night.
Typical fines
Set by the municipal court under Chapter 46 and general penalty provisions; amounts vary and may escalate for repeat offenses.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via KCMO 311 (myKCMO) for routine complaints; Police non-emergency 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://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/311 or call KCMO 311 (myKCMO) for routine complaints; Police non-emergency 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 - KCMO lowers residential limits after 10 p.m. (to 55 dBA) and bans yard or DIY tools 10 p.m.-7 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 that appears to exceed KCMO Chapter 46 (for example, over residential limits at night or plainly audible across the property line). Incidents on {{dates/times}}. Could you help resolve this? I can share a 311 case number and log.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Kansas City Code of Ordinances - Chapter 46 (Noise Control)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Document whether observations were indoors or at the property line; Table I lists indoor and outdoor limits.
- Include whether the sound was at least 5 dB above ambient or plainly audible at the specified distances when reporting.
- For loading, unloading, or refuse collection occurring overnight near homes, reference Section 46-5 in your report.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.