Noise Control

The City of Bloomington has enacted several noise control regulations to protect the health and welfare of its citizenry. Everything from party sounds to amplified music falls under this noise control policy. Note: Noise is considered excessive if it can be heard in the public right-of-way or in another resident's home.

Quiet Nights

"Play it Loud...Draw a Crowd!" is the motto of this program. The exclusive focus is on nighttime disturbances.

Night time limits for non-stationary noise are from 11:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Non-stationary noise is defined as a machine or devise capable of being moved from place to place for occasional or temporary use at a given location. This includes all types of motorized vehicles.

Night time limits for fixed source noise are from 9:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Fixed source noise is defined as a machine or device capable of creating a noise level at the property upon which it is regularly located, or upon which it is regularly used, which projects onto another property; this includes, but is not limited to, air-conditioning apparatus, powered lawn mowers and chain saws.

Standards for unnecessary noise include the following:

Any noise of continuous or intermittent nature which persists for a period of fifteen minutes and can be heard by any person outside the immediate premises from the location of the emitter and is caused by the using, operating or permitting to be played, use or operation of any radio, television, tape or record player, amplifier, musical instrument, or other machine or devise used for the production, reproduction or emission of sound, or emission of sound or any prolonged sounds by people, or by any animal or bird so as to disturb the public peace and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants.

Remember that violations of the ordinance can result in a warning, a fine or even charges of disorderly conduct. A simple rule of thumb is that a noise is excessive if it can be heard in the public right of way or in another resident's home. Part of being a good neighbor is not intruding on your neighbor's peaceful enjoyment of their own home.

Lower the Booom!

"Respect Your Neighbors...Protect Yourself." This program addresses mobile noise from boom car speakers. Excessive noise can prevent riders from hearing emergency vehicles, cause serious medical problems, and disturb the general peace of the community. To report car noise in your community contact the Bloomington Police Department, or for ongoing violations, call the Safe and Civil City Hotline at (812) 355-7777 or email noise@bloomington.in.gov.

Violations of the noise ordinance can result in a warning, fines up to $500, or misdemeanor chargers of disorderly conduct, including your arrest.

Any questions? Contact:
City of Bloomington Police Department
220 E. Third Street
(812) 339-4477
police@bloomington.in.gov
www.bloomington.in.gov/police