Billings Has a Noise Ordinance? Many People Have No Idea

If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night, listening to your neighbor’s music blasting or a revving engine echoing down the street, you’ve probably wondered, is this even legal? The short answer is yes, the City of Billings does have a noise ordinance. But it’s not as straightforward as you might hope.

Billings Modernizes Noise Ordinance for Clarity and Enforcement

Back in 2013, the City of Billings updated its official noise regulations under Chapter 17 of the Billings Municipal Code. This overhaul was meant to modernize outdated laws and give clearer guidance on what kinds of noise are considered disruptive.

Instead of vague language, the new ordinance outlines specific types of noise that aren’t allowed and gives law enforcement and city officials a better framework for responding to complaints. Whether the noise is coming from a home, business, construction site, or vehicle, the ordinance takes into account both the volume and the context.

How to Get a Noise Waiver for Your Billings Event

If you’re planning a backyard wedding with a DJ or a community event with amplified sound, you’ll need to apply for a noise waiver permit from the Billings Police Department. The process is fairly simple - you fill out a form, pay a $20 fee, and submit it at least 10 business days before your event.

READ MORE: Is Parking on Your Lawn Illegal in Billings? 

Once approved, that permit essentially gives you temporary permission to exceed standard noise limits for a set time and place. Without that permit, you could risk having your event interrupted, or even shut down, if someone complains.

The Unofficial Quiet Hours Most Billings Residents Follow

While the ordinance itself doesn’t list specific quiet hours, many neighborhoods and apartment communities around Billings follow an unofficial standard of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. During those hours, any kind of loud activity, like mowing the lawn, running power tools, or playing music, could result in a noise complaint.

Even though the city doesn’t spell it out in black and white, these hours are generally considered a time when residents should be able to expect peace and quiet. If you’re making noise during these times, especially in a residential area, you’re more likely to attract attention.

What Counts as a Noise Nuisance in Billings

The noise ordinance doesn’t only apply to loud music. It also includes things like construction noise, revving car engines, barking dogs, fireworks, generators, and even certain power tools. If the sound is loud enough to disturb someone nearby, especially at night or in a residential area, there’s a good chance it falls under the city’s definition of a nuisance. What matters most is how the noise affects others around you, not just whether you think it’s reasonable.

Residents Question Consistency of Noise Law Enforcement

Even though the rules are in place, some residents feel enforcement is hit or miss. On community forums and social media, it’s not unusual to see complaints about loud music, drag racing, or fireworks being ignored after reports are made.

Some residents say they’ve called in multiple times and never seen a patrol car drive by, while others feel that enforcement depends heavily on which part of the city you live in or what kind of noise is being reported.

City vs. County: Different Noise Rules in Montana

It’s also worth knowing that noise regulations in Montana can vary depending on whether you’re inside city limits or not. In 2025, the state legislature passed a law allowing counties to set and enforce their own noise rules.

However, those laws don’t apply within incorporated cities like Billings. That means the city operates under its own set of rules, separate from what might be enforced just a few miles outside town. If you’re in Billings proper, it’s the city ordinance that governs what’s acceptable.

What to Do About Noise Problems, or Prevent Them Before They Start

If you’re dealing with excessive noise in your neighborhood, your first step might be to have a polite conversation with the person responsible. Sometimes people don’t even realize they’re being disruptive. But if the problem continues, you can file a complaint with the Billings Police Department or reach out to the city’s Code Enforcement division. They can assess whether the noise is a violation and take steps to address it.

On the other hand, if you’re planning something noisy, it’s best to be proactive. Apply for the necessary permit, communicate with your neighbors, and make sure your event wraps up at a reasonable hour.

Billings Noise Ordinance Comes Down to Awareness and Courtesy

Yes, Billings does have a noise ordinance, and yes, it’s possible to get in trouble for making too much noise. But like many local laws, the effectiveness of the ordinance depends largely on community awareness and consistent enforcement.

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If you’re not sure whether something is allowed, your best bet is to check with the city or err on the side of being considerate. At the end of the day, a little communication and courtesy can go a long way toward keeping the peace and keeping the police out of your backyard.