Excessive noise, from loud parties to early morning construction, is a common concern in Tennessee. Noise regulations are established locally by cities and counties, tailoring rules to their community needs.1Municode Library. Memphis, TN Code of Ordinances – Title 9, Chapter 9-68 Noise Control Understanding these local ordinances is important for residents and property owners, as infractions can lead to fines or legal action.2Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 39-17-305 (2024) – Disorderly Conduct
Daytime and Nighttime Limits
Local ordinances in Tennessee set different sound level restrictions for daytime and nighttime hours. This approach balances daily activities with the need for quiet during evenings and early mornings. Specific daytime and nighttime hours are defined by each city or county, but nighttime restrictions often start around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM and end around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM. These times can vary for weekdays, weekends, or holidays.
Many Tennessee jurisdictions use decibel (dBA) limits for objective noise measurement. Ordinances specify maximum dBA levels, which are stricter at night.3Municode Library. Nashville and Davidson County Code of Ordinances – Title 9 Noise and Amplified Sound These thresholds often vary by zoning, with residential areas having lower limits than commercial or industrial zones. Measurements are usually taken at the property line of the person affected by the noise.
Some local ordinances also use qualitative standards, prohibiting “unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise” or sound that is “plainly audible” beyond a set distance, particularly at night. These standards are used for disruptive sounds when decibel readings aren’t practical or when the nature of the sound itself is disturbing. This allows local governments to customize their noise limits.
Local Enforcement Provisions
Local governmental bodies are responsible for enforcing noise regulations in Tennessee communities. Enforcement methods vary, with the duty falling to municipal or county agencies.
Law enforcement agencies, such as city police or county sheriff’s offices, are the primary enforcers and often respond first to noise complaints, especially after hours. Many municipalities also use code enforcement officers, who may have specialized training in sound measurement and local noise codes.
When a noise complaint is reported, local authorities investigate, which may involve an officer visiting the site. If decibel limits apply, officers might use a sound level meter at a specified point, like the complainant’s property line, to check dBA levels. For qualitative standards such as “unreasonably loud” or “plainly audible,” an officer’s observation determines if a violation occurred.
If a violation is confirmed, officers may issue a verbal warning for minor or first-time infractions. If a warning is ineffective or the situation is more serious, a written notice of violation or a citation may be issued, documenting the infraction and potential consequences.
Applicable Exceptions
Local noise ordinances in Tennessee include exceptions for certain noises. These exemptions cover sounds necessary for public safety, community functioning, daily life, or those specifically authorized.
Sounds from authorized emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire engines, police cars) during official duties are exempt. Emergency signaling devices like fire or security alarms are also often exempt, unless malfunctioning or activated excessively without cause.
Noise from public utilities or governmental bodies performing duties, such as emergency infrastructure repairs or routine projects like road work and sanitation, is often exempt. These exemptions, especially for construction, might have time limits, particularly near residential areas, to balance work needs with resident quiet.4Municode Library. Nashville and Davidson County Code of Ordinances – Chapter 16.44 Noise Control (Construction)
Exceptions often cover everyday residential activities during reasonable hours, such as using lawnmowers, leaf blowers, or power tools for home maintenance, permitted during specified daytime hours. Sounds from normal farming operations in agricultural zones, like tractors or livestock, are also exempt.
Authorized community events like permitted parades, festivals, concerts, or sporting events are often exempt, though the permit may include conditions like time or sound level limits. Sounds from religious services, such as church bells or calls to prayer, may also be exempt, sometimes with considerations for amplification and timing.
Penalties
If warnings or notices do not achieve compliance with local noise regulations in Tennessee, or for repeated or severe infractions, municipalities can impose penalties. These penalties often use a graduated approach, with severity increasing for subsequent or serious infractions.
Monetary fines are the most common penalty, with amounts varying across Tennessee. Initial fines may be modest, such as $50, but they escalate for repeat offenses within a defined period, potentially rising to several hundred dollars for a third offense. Ordinances often state that each day a violation continues can be treated as a separate offense, leading to multiple fines.5Municode Library. Chattanooga, TN Code of Ordinances – Chapter 25, Sec. 25-70 General Penalty
Beyond fines, noise violations may be classified as municipal infractions or civil offenses, potentially leading to court costs or administrative fees if challenged or if further legal action is needed. Some ordinances allow stricter penalties for specific cases, like persistent commercial violators or highly disruptive noise, but this is less common for typical residential complaints.
Imprisonment is rare for routine noise violations, which are civil or low-level offenses. Jail time, if it occurs, usually results from contempt of court for ignoring fines or court orders, not from the noise itself. If fines are ineffective, municipalities may seek a court order to stop the noise. Non-compliance with this order can lead to contempt charges and potential incarceration.
Reporting a Violation
To report a noise disturbance in Tennessee, contact the appropriate local authorities. This is the local police department’s non-emergency line or a specialized code enforcement office.6City of Knoxville. Noise Complaint Reporting Information Avoid using 911 unless there’s an immediate safety threat or other criminal activity.
When reporting, provide clear details. This includes:
- The noise’s precise location
- A description of the noise (e.g., loud music, construction)
- The time the noise occurred
- The duration of the noise
Your name and contact information are often requested for follow-up. While some areas allow anonymous complaints, they may be less effective.
After a report, the response depends on local procedures and personnel availability. For ongoing disturbances, an officer may be dispatched to observe and determine if the noise violates the ordinance. This may involve using sound level measurements or contacting those responsible. The officer’s assessment is based on conditions when they arrive.
For recurring noise problems, keeping a personal log of disturbances is advisable. This log should include dates, times, the nature of the noise, its duration, and any informal attempts to resolve the issue. This documentation can be useful if the problem persists, supporting official reports and demonstrating a pattern to enforcement agencies.