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Lexington noise ordinance: rules and who to call

In Lexington, the test for neighbor noise is the "dwelling unit boundary." The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code defines it as the walls, ceilings and floors between units in a building, or the property line between houses (§ 14-70). Most of the noise rules in sections 14-70 to 14-80 ask whether a sound creates a "noise disturbance" across that line.

What is too loud in Lexington?

A "noise disturbance" is sound that annoys or disturbs "a reasonable person of normal sensitivities," or that harms people, animals or property (§ 14-70). The code has no decibel limits.

Section 14-72 lists acts that are violations. For neighbors, the main ones are:

• playing a radio, TV, instrument or similar device so it creates a noise disturbance across a dwelling unit boundary, at any hour (§ 14-72(9))
• running machinery or equipment with rotating or reciprocating parts so it creates a noise disturbance across that boundary (§ 14-72(1))
• noncommercial loudspeakers from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (§ 14-72(7))
• loading or unloading boxes, garbage cans and similar objects from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (§ 14-72(4))

A police officer can order the noise stopped right away instead of writing a citation (§ 14-75).

Barking dogs

It is unlawful to keep any animal that "repeatedly or frequently" barks, howls, meows or makes other sounds so as to annoy or disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivities (§ 14-72(11)).

Construction and yard work

Construction, drilling and demolition tools can't be used from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. if the noise crosses into a neighbor's unit or lot (§ 14-72(2)). Outdoor power tools and lawnmowers can't be used from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., or before 9 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday (§ 14-72(3)).

How do I report noise in Lexington?

The city's police page lists dog barking and loud music as non-emergencies and gives the non-emergency number as 859-258-3600. For an emergency, call 911. LexCall handles other city services at 311 or 859-425-2255.

Fines and penalties

A violation of sections 14-70 to 14-80 carries a fine of $50 to $500. A second offense within 12 months is $100 to $500, and a third is $250 to $500 (§ 14-80).

Section 14-96, the "Lexington Area Party Plan," targets party houses. If police take enforcement action at a home, with citations or arrests, two times in one year, the home is certified as a "no party property" for one year. Each new enforcement action during that year extends it. An occupant who allows a disturbance that leads to enforcement action during that time is fined on the same scale.

Keeping a noise log

Because the rules turn on noise crossing a wall, floor or property line, write down where in your home you heard it each time. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the date, time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report. Phone readings are estimates.

Sources

• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-72, Noise disturbances, specific acts (Municode)
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-70, Definitions
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-75, Order of abatement of noise disturbance
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-80, Penalty
• Lexington-Fayette Urban County Code § 14-96, Lexington Area Party Plan
• Lexington: When and how to contact police
• Lexington: LexCall 311

Last checked November 9, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.