Chattanooga, TN Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Chattanooga, TN?
| Regulation | Details for Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 8:30 PM-7:00 AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (423) 698-2525 |
Generally, quiet hours are from 8:30 PM to 7:00 AM for activities like amplified sound, yelling, and operating loud domestic tools. Refuse collection is restricted 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and fireworks are prohibited after 11:30 PM until 8:00 AM, with exceptions for holidays (12:30 AM to 8:00 AM).
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Chattanooga, TN Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga, TN noise ordinances, specifically City Code Part II, Chapter 25, Article III, Section 25-79, prohibit unreasonably loud or disturbing noises in residential zones outside the Downtown Amplified Music District. Updated in April 2023, it restricts amplified music audible 100 feet away, yelling, loud domestic tool use, and excessive vehicle noise during specified quiet hours, along with animal and refuse collection restrictions.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified; based on audibility | Not specified; based on audibility |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: The ordinance for residential zones prohibits sounds plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet or more and on someone else's property. Specific decibel limits for residential areas are not defined in the latest ordinance for general noise. Older code references exist for the Downtown Amplified Music District, which is explicitly excluded from some residential noise prohibitions.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, or other domestic tools outdoors is prohibited between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM without express consent of adjoining residential property owners. Construction/demolition work causing excessive noise between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM requires special permission.
- Amplified Sound:
Playing any radio, phonograph, or amplified music that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in any dwelling is prohibited, particularly between 8:30 PM and 10:00 AM. Sound amplification systems plainly audible at 100 feet or more and on someone else's property in residential neighborhoods (outside the Downtown Amplified Music District) are prohibited. Exceptions exist for special event permits.
- Animals:
The keeping of any dog(s) which, by causing frequent or long, continued noise (e.g., barking at an average rate of ten or more barks per minute over a five-minute period audible from 100 feet or more), disturbs the comfort or repose of any person in any residence is prohibited.
- Vehicles:
Unnecessarily sounding any horn or signal device. Operating any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle so out of repair or loaded as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise in any residential community or parks between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM. Operating standing motor vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR or auxiliary equipment for longer than 10 minutes in any hour within 150 feet of a residential area between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Unlawful noises from off-road vehicles are also addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chattanooga, TN Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Chattanooga, TN?
Generally, quiet hours are from 8:30 PM to 7:00 AM for activities like amplified sound, yelling, and operating loud domestic tools. Refuse collection is restricted 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and fireworks are prohibited after 11:30 PM until 8:00 AM, with exceptions for holidays (12:30 AM to 8:00 AM).. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Chattanooga, TN?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified; based on audibility during the day and Not specified; based on audibility 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 Chattanooga, TN?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Chattanooga, TN police non-emergency line at (423) 698-2525. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (423) 643-6311 (or 311).