Augusta, GA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Augusta, GA?
| Regulation | Details for Augusta, GA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 706-821-1080 |
11 PM to 7 AM (for general disturbances and amplified sound); Construction: 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and all day Sunday restricted; Public outdoor events: 10 PM to 8 AM restricted.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Augusta, GA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Augusta, GA?
Augusta, GA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 6, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises that disturb comfort and repose. Key restrictions include amplified sound audible 50 feet away between 11 PM and 7 AM, excessive animal noise (e.g., barking over 10-20 minutes depending on time), and un-muffled vehicle exhausts. Construction is generally limited to weekdays from 7 AM to 10 PM. Violations can incur fines up to $1,000 or 60 days imprisonment.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | N/A | N/A |
Note: Augusta-Richmond County noise ordinance primarily uses 'plainly audible' standards rather than specific decibel limits for general noise. Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) sets Noise Abatement Criteria for highway projects at 67 dB for residential and 72 dB for commercial, but these are not general city noise ordinance limits.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Erection, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building, and operation of associated loud equipment, is prohibited other than between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM on weekdays. Permits may be granted for work between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM for up to ten days if inconvenience would be extraordinary. Work is also restricted all day on Sunday unless urgent necessity for public safety and with permission.
- Amplified Sound:
Operation of radios, musical instruments, phonographs, or other sound-producing devices in a manner disturbing to inhabitants, especially between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible at 50 feet. Amplified entertainment venues have specific permitting requirements and may have other time restrictions, such as 12:00 Midnight to 7:00 AM for the Entertainment Zone and Olmstead Stadium. Sound amplified for commercial advertising on public streets is prohibited.
- Animals:
Keeping any animal or bird that, by frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort or repose of neighbors. Specifically, barking, howling, yelping, or whining audible beyond the property for over 20 minutes between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM, or over 10 minutes between 9:01 PM and 6:59 AM, or over 120 minutes in any 24-hour period.
- Vehicles:
Unnecessary sounding of horns, loud or harsh signaling devices, discharge of exhaust without an effective muffler, and operating vehicles with defects causing loud noises. Operating a motor vehicle sound system plainly audible at 100 feet or more is unlawful (Georgia Code § 40-6-14). The creation of loud, unnecessary noise between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicles, or the opening, closing, or destruction of any boxes, crates or containers is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Augusta, GA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Augusta, GA?
11 PM to 7 AM (for general disturbances and amplified sound); Construction: 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and all day Sunday restricted; Public outdoor events: 10 PM to 8 AM restricted.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Augusta, 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 Augusta, GA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Augusta, GA police non-emergency line at 706-821-1080. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 706-821-1080.