Legal Definitions - Noise ordinance

A noise ordinance is a local law, typically enacted by a city or county government, that sets rules about the type, volume, and duration of sound allowed in different areas and at specific times. Its purpose is to maintain peace and quiet within communities by preventing excessive or disruptive noise.

Here are some examples of how a noise ordinance might apply:

• Early Morning Construction:

  Imagine a construction crew begins operating heavy machinery, like jackhammers and excavators, at 6:00 AM on a weekday in a quiet residential neighborhood. If the local noise ordinance specifies that construction noise is only permitted between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM in residential zones to avoid disturbing residents during sleeping hours, the crew would be in violation of this ordinance. The ordinance regulates the time and nature of the sound allowed in that specific place.

• Loud Restaurant Music:

  Consider a popular restaurant with an outdoor patio that features live bands playing amplified music until 1:00 AM. If the city's noise ordinance states that commercial establishments in mixed-use areas must keep amplified music below a certain decibel level after midnight, especially if it can be heard clearly from nearby residential buildings, the restaurant could face penalties. This illustrates how the ordinance regulates the level of sound from a commercial entity during specific nighttime hours.

• Persistent Dog Barking:

  A homeowner's dog frequently barks loudly and continuously for extended periods throughout the day and night, disturbing several neighbors. If the local noise ordinance includes provisions against excessive animal noise that creates a public nuisance, particularly after repeated complaints, the dog owner could be cited for violating the ordinance. This example demonstrates how the ordinance addresses the duration and impact of continuous noise from a residential source on the surrounding community.