Athens, GA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Athens, GA?
| Regulation | Details for Athens, GA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 706-546-5900 |
Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Friday and Saturday: 12:00 Midnight to 7:00 AM. For landscape maintenance motorized devices: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Athens, GA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Athens, GA?
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.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (uses 'plainly audible' distance standards) | Not specified (uses 'plainly audible' distance standards) |
| Commercial | Not specified (uses 'plainly audible' distance standards) | Not specified (uses 'plainly audible' distance standards) |
Note: 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.
Specific 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens, GA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Athens, GA?
Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Friday and Saturday: 12:00 Midnight to 7:00 AM. For landscape maintenance motorized devices: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Athens, GA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (uses 'plainly audible' distance standards) during the day and Not specified (uses 'plainly audible' distance standards) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Athens, GA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Athens, GA police non-emergency line at 706-546-5900. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 706-613-3790.