The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Athens, GA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Athens-Clarke County primarily uses a 'plainly audible' standard based on distance rather than specific decibel limits. During the day (7 AM-11 PM Sun-Thu, 7 AM-12 AM Fri-Sat), noise from mechanical sound-making devices or parties is unlawful if plainly audible at 300 feet or more. At night (11 PM-7 AM Sun-Thu, 12 AM-7 AM Fri-Sat), yelling, shouting, and party noise is unlawful if plainly audible at 100 feet or more, while mechanical sound-making devices remain restricted at 300 feet. For apartments, condominiums, and duplexes, citations can occur for noise violations audible from as little as five feet away."
AI Executive Summary
Athens, GA noise ordinances, primarily Section 3-5-24, prohibit noise plainly audible at 300 feet or more during the day (7 AM-11 PM Sun-Thu, 7 AM-12 AM Fri-Sat). Nighttime restrictions (11 PM-7 AM Sun-Thu, 12 AM-7 AM Fri-Sat) apply to noise plainly audible at 100-300 feet, varying by source. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 and six months jail time.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operation of landscape maintenance motorized devices (e.g., leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chain saws) is unlawful between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
Amplified Sound
Unlawful to play, use, or operate any radio, television, stereo, musical instrument, phonograph, sound amplifier, or other devices at a volume plainly audible at a distance of 300 feet or more between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday) or 12:00 Midnight (Friday-Saturday). Restrictions also apply after these hours at the 300-foot distance.
Animals
Non-violent animal complaints should be reported to the non-emergency police number (706-546-5900). Specific noise limits for animals (e.g., barking dogs) are not explicitly detailed beyond general noise ordinances.
Vehicles
It is unlawful for any person in a motor vehicle on a street or highway to play a sound-making device or instrument so that the sound is audible at a distance of 100 feet or more from the motor vehicle. This is also controlled by O.C.G.A. § 40-6-14.
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