The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Chattanooga, TN
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
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