The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
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3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Tucson, AZ
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Decibel limits are measured at the receiving property line between 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (day) and 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (night)."
AI Executive Summary
Tucson, AZ noise ordinances, found in Tucson Code Section 16-31, prohibit excessive noise disturbing public peace. Residential areas have decibel limits of 70 dBA during the day (7 AM-10 PM) and 62 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM). Specific rules govern construction, amplified sound, and animal noise, with penalties for violations.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction activities are generally prohibited from 8:00 p.m. to sunrise, Monday through Saturday, and at any time on Sundays and legal holidays. An exception allows work at one's own residence from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays or legal holidays. However, a new state law allows construction to begin at 5:00 a.m. from May 1 through October 15 on weekdays, with concrete pours permitted at 4:00 a.m., overriding previous city sunrise regulations. Temporary noise exemptions can be requested for activities outside these hours or exceeding decibel limits.
Amplified Sound
It is unlawful to allow continuous or intermittent amplified sound that persists for 15 minutes or more and disturbs others. Property-line limits of 70 dBA by day and 62 dBA by night apply. Sound amplification systems in vehicles are prohibited if plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or causing a person to be aware of vibration at 50 feet.
Animals
Owning, possessing, harboring, or permitting any animal or bird that frequently or for continuous duration howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds disturbing the peace is prohibited. Peace officers or county animal control officers are authorized to issue citations. Pima Animal Care Center encourages mediation and requires a noise log for formal complaints.
Vehicles
Creating or allowing a loud, disturbing noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle is prohibited. Sound amplification systems in vehicles are prohibited if plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or causing a person to be aware of vibration at 50 feet.
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