Thinking of firing up your wood chipper, log splitter, or stump grinder on a Sunday morning? You might want to double-check your local noise regulations first. In many states, especially in densely populated areas, yard tool noise is more than just an annoyance-it's regulated by law.
This guide breaks down state-by-state noise restrictions (where they exist) for outdoor power tools, so you can stay compliant and avoid complaints.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Only a handful of states have clear, enforceable regulations; most defer to city or county ordinances.
- 🕒 Time-of-day restrictions are the most common form of regulation (e.g., no loud tools before 8 AM).
- 📏 Decibel limits vary-from strict 55 dB caps (Colorado) to more lenient 85 dB thresholds (Texas).
- 🔌 Gas-powered tools are increasingly targeted, especially in California, Oregon, and Washington.
State-by-State Noise Regulation Table for Yard Tools
Here's a side-by-side comparison of noise rules for outdoor equipment across the U.S. States with confirmed regulations or known city-level restrictions are marked ✅.
| State | Regulation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (AL) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Alaska (AK) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Arizona (AZ) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Arkansas (AR) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| California (CA) | ✅ | Multiple local bans/restrictions on gas-powered tools; noise-based enforcement |
| Colorado (CO) | ✅ | Residential noise limit of 55 dB; stricter than average |
| Connecticut (CT) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Delaware (DE) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Florida (FL) | ✅ | Local regulations restrict hours for yard equipment (e.g., 7 AM–10 PM in Miami) |
| Georgia (GA) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Hawaii (HI) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Idaho (ID) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Illinois (IL) | ✅ | Chicago: Power tool use restricted to 8 AM–8 PM with 80 dB max |
| Indiana (IN) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Iowa (IA) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Kansas (KS) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Kentucky (KY) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Louisiana (LA) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Maine (ME) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Maryland (MD) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Massachusetts (MA) | ✅ | 75 dBA max in Quincy (8 AM–5 PM); subjective limits in Boston |
| Michigan (MI) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Minnesota (MN) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Mississippi (MS) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Missouri (MO) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Montana (MT) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Nebraska (NE) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Nevada (NV) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| New Hampshire (NH) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| New Jersey (NJ) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| New Mexico (NM) | ✅ | Albuquerque requires tools to be 500+ feet from residences or use mitigation |
| New York (NY) | ✅ | City-specific laws; NYC bans use of noisy lawn tools before 8 AM |
| North Carolina (NC) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| North Dakota (ND) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Ohio (OH) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Oklahoma (OK) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Oregon (OR) | ✅ | Portland limits outdoor tool noise at property lines; night curfew |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Rhode Island (RI) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| South Carolina (SC) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| South Dakota (SD) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Tennessee (TN) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Texas (TX) | ✅ | 85 dB statewide limit; city limits vary (e.g., Fort Worth: 70 dB, El Paso: 65 dB) |
| Utah (UT) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Vermont (VT) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Virginia (VA) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Washington (WA) | ✅ | No specific limits; proposed bans on gas equipment |
| West Virginia (WV) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
| Wisconsin (WI) | ✅ | Madison limits yard tools to 88 dB(A) at 50 feet; varies by HP |
| Wyoming (WY) | ❌ | No specific statewide regulation; check local ordinances |
What This Table Shows
This table gives you a quick snapshot of:
- ✅ Whether a state has explicit noise regulations
- 📋 Whether those rules apply to yard tools specifically
- 🏙️ If not statewide, whether you need to check local city or county codes
Some states like California and Illinois have city-specific laws (e.g., LA or Chicago), while others like Colorado and Texas impose decibel limits statewide. A few areas go further-New Mexico, for instance, requires noise mitigation if operating near homes.
Variables that matter:
- Decibel limits (dBA): How loud your tool can be, usually measured at the property line.
- Hours of operation: Common limits are 8 AM-8 PM, but some cities allow earlier or later use.
- Tool type: Gas-powered tools are more likely to trigger noise complaints or fall under bans.
How to Use This Data in Real Life
Let's say you're about to run a 6.5 HP chipper in your backyard.
🔍 What You Should Check:
- State laws - Does your state have a hard decibel limit?
- City/county codes - If your state defers to local rules, look up your municipality's ordinance.
- Time-of-day rules - Avoid running loud tools before 8 AM or after sunset unless you know it's allowed.
🧠 Tips to Stay Out of Trouble:
- Use electric tools in noise-sensitive areas-they're much quieter.
- Keep equipment well-maintained-dull blades and clogged mufflers are louder.
- Plan work during legal hours and warn neighbors if you're doing major yard cleanup.
📦 Choosing the Right Product:
- If you live in Colorado, Madison (WI), or Portland (OR), you'll want quiet electric models under 88 dB(A).
- For rural or unregulated zones, gas-powered chippers or heavy-duty log splitters are still fair game.
Final Thoughts
Yard work shouldn't come with a fine. Noise regulations are spreading fast-especially against gas-powered outdoor tools. Understanding your state and local rules helps you pick the right equipment and avoid complaints.
When in doubt? Play it safe:
- Stick to daytime hours.
- Use quieter electric machines where needed.
- And always check your local ordinance before you start the motor.
