Savannah, GA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Savannah, GA?
| Regulation | Details for Savannah, GA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: Savannah Police Department: (912) 651-6675; Chatham County Police Department: (912) 652-6500 |
10PM-7AM (general residential, with specific variations for certain activities)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Savannah, GA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Savannah, GA?
Savannah, GA's Noise Control Ordinance (Article B, Chapter 2, Part 9) prohibits noise disturbances that unreasonably disrupt peace. Key restrictions include amplified sound levels, specific quiet hours for construction, loading, and use of power tools, and prohibitions against excessive animal noise. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges and fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (general noise disturbance threshold: >85 dBA) | Not specified (general noise disturbance threshold: >85 dBA) |
| Commercial | Not specified (general noise disturbance threshold: >85 dBA) | Not specified (general noise disturbance threshold: >85 dBA) |
Note: A sound level exceeding 85 dBA across a real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive area is generally deemed a noise disturbance. The ordinance mentions a 'Table I' for maximum permissible sound levels, but specific day/night residential/commercial limits were not explicitly provided in the search results.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operation of tools or equipment in construction, drilling, demolition, or public utility maintenance is prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive area. Domestic power tools and motor-powered lawn, garden, and tree trimming equipment are permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Amplified Sound:
No person shall operate sound equipment so as to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive area. For authorized activities, sound equipment may not exceed 90 dB(A) at 50 feet and, if the receiving land is residential, can only be used from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tour service vehicles must be equipped with sound control devices to ensure amplified sound is not plainly audible 15 feet or more from the vehicle.
- Animals:
No person shall own, possess, or harbor any animal that howls, barks, or emits sounds that are unreasonably loud, disturbing, and of such character, intensity, and duration as to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. A 'barking dog' is defined as one that barks continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, disturbing any person, unless provoked by trespass or other legitimate cause.
- Vehicles:
Loading, unloading, or handling of objects (boxes, building materials, garbage cans, etc.) creating a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary or within a noise-sensitive area is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Vehicle or motorboat repairs/testing creating a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary or outdoors within a noise-sensitive area are prohibited. Powered model vehicles cannot be operated outdoors within 150 feet of a residential or noise-sensitive area or between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Motor vehicles are required to have mufflers.
- Fireworks:
Fireworks use is permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Extended hours apply on specific holidays, allowing use from 10:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on January 1, the last Saturday and Sunday in May, July 3, July 4, the first Monday in September, and December 31, and from 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on January 1. All fireworks use must comply with applicable sound level limits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Savannah, GA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Savannah, GA?
10PM-7AM (general residential, with specific variations for certain activities). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Savannah, GA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (general noise disturbance threshold: >85 dBA) during the day and Not specified (general noise disturbance threshold: >85 dBA) 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 Savannah, GA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Savannah, GA police non-emergency line at Savannah Police Department: (912) 651-6675; Chatham County Police Department: (912) 652-6500. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (912) 651-6770.