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Step 1 of 3Glendale, AZ
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The Glendale, AZ municipal code does not specify decibel limits for noise ordinances, relying instead on subjective standards of 'excessive, unnecessary or offensive noise that a reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area is caused discomfort or annoyance'."
AI Executive Summary
Glendale, AZ noise ordinances, primarily found in Article V of Chapter 25 (Nuisances) of the City Code, prohibit excessive, unnecessary, and annoying noises. Specific restrictions include limits on vehicle repair (10 PM - 7 AM in residential areas) and amplified sound (not audible 50+ feet from vehicles, or off-premises between 10 PM - 7 AM for general sound systems). Violations are considered a public nuisance and a misdemeanor.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General construction hours are not explicitly defined. However, repairing, rebuilding, or testing any motor vehicle in a residential area is unlawful between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates excessive noise.
Amplified Sound
It is unlawful to operate a sound amplification system in or on a vehicle if it can be heard outside the vehicle from fifty (50) or more feet, or if it annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of any reasonable person in the vicinity. Operating a radio, phonograph, or sound-producing mechanism is unlawful if it can be heard more than 125 feet from the premises at any time, or off the premises between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that creates excessive or offensive noise. Continuous operation for over two and a half hours without a thirty-minute intermission, if heard off-premises and offensive, is also prohibited.
Animals
Barking dogs are considered a nuisance and are enforced by Code Compliance.
Vehicles
Repairing, rebuilding, or testing motor vehicles in residential areas is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates excessive noise. Vehicle exhaust systems must be free from defects, equipped with a muffler, and not modified to amplify sound. Unnecessary vehicle noise, such as tire squealing from acceleration, deceleration, or speeding on turns, is prohibited. The use of an unmuffled engine brake is also unlawful.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Glendale protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Standard coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Glendale, AZ?
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Glendale's quiet hours: 10PM-7AM. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
How do I file a noise complaint in Glendale?
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Call the Glendale police non-emergency line at (623) 930-3000. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (623) 930-3610. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Glendale?
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Glendale's noise violation penalties: Violation of the noise ordinance (Article V of Chapter 25) is considered a public nuisance and a misdemeanor. Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. For unnecessary vehicle noise related to engine braking, the first offense is a civil violation with a mandatory fine of $100.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Glendale?
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Glendale's rules: Barking dogs are considered a nuisance and are enforced by Code Compliance.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (602) 506-7387 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Glendale?
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Glendale's construction noise rules: General construction hours are not explicitly defined. However, repairing, rebuilding, or testing any motor vehicle in a residential area is unlawful between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates excessive noise.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Glendale?
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Yes. Glendale's ordinance: It is unlawful to operate a sound amplification system in or on a vehicle if it can be heard outside the vehicle from fifty (50) or more feet, or if it annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of any reasonable person in the vicinity. Operating a radio, phonograph, or sound-producing mechanism is unlawful if it can be heard more than 125 feet from the premises at any time, or off the premises between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that creates excessive or offensive noise. Continuous operation for over two and a half hours without a thirty-minute intermission, if heard off-premises and offensive, is also prohibited.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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