Des Moines, IA
Noise Code

No person shall operate or permit the operation of any tools or equipment in construction, drilling, or demolition work between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Permits may be required for construction activities beyond permitted hours.

Generally, no person shall operate sound equipment to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or outdoors within a noise sensitive area. Permits are required for sound equipment on public streets or premises. Specific permit types exist with varying decibel limits and hours. For example, sound equipment under a Type E permit for street closings can be used from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. Residential events with a Type D permit allow up to 65 dBA from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..

No person shall own, possess or harbor any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration emits sounds native to the species which are a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise sensitive area. Animal noise complaints are handled by ARL Animal Services after being reported to DMPD non-emergency dispatch.

Operation of powered model vehicles in public or private spaces outdoors or within a noise sensitive area is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Repairing, rebuilding, modifying, or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorboat in a manner that causes a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or outdoors within a noise sensitive area is prohibited. Recreational vehicles are not permitted on public or private land between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if sound levels exceed specified limits.