The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
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3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Augusta, GA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
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