Atlanta, GA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Atlanta, GA?
| Regulation | Details for Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM (Sun-Thu), 12AM-7AM (Fri-Sat) |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 311 (within city) or 404-658-6666 (outside city) |
Generally, noise that is plainly audible at 100 feet or more is restricted from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. For loudspeakers and sound amplifiers, the prohibition is from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM on weekends and holidays if plainly audible across a property line.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
311 (within city) or 404-658-6666 (outside city)How to file a complaint →Atlanta, GA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta, GA noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 74, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances, restrict excessive sounds that disturb public comfort. General noise, including mechanical and human-produced sounds, is prohibited if plainly audible beyond specific distances during designated quiet hours, which typically begin at 11 PM on weekdays and 12 AM on weekends. Specific rules apply to construction, amplified sound, and landscaping activities.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | N/A | N/A |
Note: The ordinance primarily relies on a 'plainly audible at a distance' standard rather than specific decibel levels for general noise control within city limits. However, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) uses Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) for highway projects, which includes 67 decibels for residential areas and 72 decibels for businesses, but this is not a city-wide general noise limit.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction noise is restricted between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and between 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM on a weekend day or legal holiday. This applies if the sound is heard more than 100 feet from its origin in single-family, two-family, or multi-family residential zoning districts.
- Amplified Sound:
The use or operation of any loudspeaker system, sound amplifier, or similar device is prohibited if plainly audible across a real property line between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM on weekends and holidays. General mechanical sound-making devices are restricted if plainly audible at 300 feet or more from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Sun-Thu) or 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat), and at 100 feet or more from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Sun-Thu) or 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM (Sat-Sun).
- Animals:
It is unlawful to own, possess, or harbor any animal that frequently or continuously howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds creating excessive noise across a residential or commercial real property line. Incessant/nuisance barking concerns should be directed to Code Enforcement.
- Vehicles:
The sounding of any horn or signaling device of a motor vehicle continuously or intermittently for more than 60 seconds, except as a danger warning, is prohibited. Operating radios, televisions, musical instruments, or similar devices in a vehicle is unlawful if plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more.
- Landscaping:
Sounds generated by motorized landscape maintenance devices, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers, or chainsaws, are restricted within 300 feet of any residential or mixed-use zoning district from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta, GA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Atlanta, GA?
Generally, noise that is plainly audible at 100 feet or more is restricted from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. For loudspeakers and sound amplifiers, the prohibition is from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM on weekends and holidays if plainly audible across a property line.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Atlanta, GA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of established limits during the day and stricter limits 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 Atlanta, GA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Atlanta, GA police non-emergency line at 311 (within city) or 404-658-6666 (outside city). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 or 404-546-0311 (ATL311), or 404-330-6190 (Bureau of Code Compliance, M-F 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM)..