It’s Illegal to Mow Your Lawn in Iowa Outside of These Hours

This time of year, it can feel like quite a nuisance to be awoken late at night, or early in the morning, by the sound of a lawn mower.

Mowing your lawn at night might seem convenient for those with busy schedules, but it could raise some legal and neighborly concerns.

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In Iowa, there isn’t a specific state law prohibiting nighttime lawn mowing. However, local ordinances often regulate noise levels during certain hours, typically late at night and early in the morning. These noise ordinances vary by city or county, so what might be permissible in one area could be prohibited in another.

Here are some examples:

City of Dubuque: The City Ordinance states: "Power equipment, such as lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors that are necessary for the maintenance of property may operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sunday."

In Des Moines, the state capital and largest city, designated quiet hours are between 10 pm and 7 am. Cedar Rapids's maximum permissible sound levels are between 7 am and 10 pm.

By and large, most cities and towns in Iowa prohibit (or at least restrict) the operation of lawn and garden equipment between the hours of 9 pm and 7 am. Golf courses and other commercial areas are exempt of this.

To learn more about Iowa lawn operation hours, check out the Iowa Codification Website.

Story Sources: City of Dubuque Website, Des Moines City Ordinances Website, No Noise Website