Columbia Radios, phonographs, etc. outside the downtown area ordinance (§ 16-258)
Chapter 16: Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions · Article III. Noise
(a) It shall be unlawful to play or permit to be played any radio, phonograph, tape player, compact disc player, musical instrument or any similar device for producing or amplifying sound in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet or comfort of the neighboring inhabitants.
(b)
Playing or permitting to be played any device described in subsection (a) between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so that it is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the building, structure or outdoor area in which the device is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
(c) Playing or permitting to be played any device described in subsection (a) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. so that it is plainly audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the building, structure or outdoor area in which the device is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
(d) Except as allowed in division 2 of this article, it shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to play or permit to be played any sound producing or sound amplifying device in or on the vehicle so that it is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the vehicle.
(e) This section shall not apply to the downtown area as defined in section 16-258.1.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 16-258
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.