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Page last updated on November 13, 2024 at 11:20 am

Bloomington Municipal Code on Noise

Chapter 14.09 Noise Control

When the Noise Ordinance Applies

The noise ordinance applies and can be enforced by police 24-hours a day.

Standards for Unreasonable Noise

Generally, unreasonable noise shall mean sound that is of a volume, frequency, or pattern that prevents, disrupts, injures, or endangers the health, safety, welfare, prosperity, comfort or repose of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivities within the city of Bloomington, given the time of day or environment in which the sound is made. Also included, and described in more detail in Section 14.09.030 of the Bloomington Municipal Code, is unreasonable noise from cars, horns or signaling devices, radios, televisions, loudspeakers, amplifiers, and musical instruments. Exemptions are noted in Bloomington Municipal Code section 14.09.040.

Violations, Penalties, and Appeals

Violations of the noise ordinance can result in a warning, a fine or even misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, including your arrest. Every person who occupies or controls the property on or in which the noise occurs may be subject to a fine of $50.00 for a first violation, $100.00 for a second violation in a twelve month period, and $500.00 for a third or subsequent violation within a 12-month period, and in addition to any of those you may be subject to a warning for disorderly conduct. If the noise violation does not cease, the occupants may be subject to arrest. Please pay the fine within seven (7) days in cash, check, or money order payable to the City of Bloomington at:

BLOOMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
220 EAST 3RD STREET
BLOOMINGTON, IN 47401

To deny responsibility and appeal the fine, go to or contact the Department of Public Works on the first floor of City Hall and complete an Appeal form. You have seven days from the date of the ticket to appeal to the Board of Public Works. You will be informed of the date of the public meeting where your appeal will be considered, and the Board of Public Works will issue written findings at that time. If you do not pay the fine by the court date given on the noise ticket, or file an appeal with the Board of Public Works within seven days of the date of the citation, the City may bring an action against you for the violation in the Monroe County Circuit Court.

Reporting a Noise Violation

Contact the Bloomington Police at (812) 339-4477 to report a noise complaint.

Appealing a Ticket

If you would like to file an appeal, you must do so within seven days of receiving the ticket. Appeals shall be filed in the City of Bloomington Public Works Department, 401 N. Morton St., Suite 120. The appeal will then go to the Board of Public Works to make a decision.