Scottsdale, AZ
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Scottsdale, AZ.
Ordinance Summary
Scottsdale, AZ noise ordinances, notably the Special Noise Violations Ordinance, regulate "unreasonable noise" from businesses with alcohol or live entertainment and nuisance parties in residences, including short-term rentals. Businesses must maintain 68 dB at 100 feet from residential zones. Penalties for nuisance parties range from $250 to $1,500. The city is actively updating these regulations for clearer standards.
Quiet Hours
Scottsdale's ordinances primarily address 'unreasonable noise' and 'nuisance parties' rather than universally defined quiet hours. For residential areas, excessive noise after 10:00 PM and particularly after 2:00 AM is generally considered problematic. Specific quiet hours for general residential noise are not explicitly detailed in available ordinance summaries; instead, a 'nuisance' standard applies.
Police Non-Emergency
480-312-5000Decibel Limits
"Businesses serving alcohol or providing live entertainment within Mixed Use developments are required to meet 68 decibels at least 100 feet from their business within a residential district. A normal conversation is typically between 60-70 dBA. Police have not measured readings exceeding 68dBA in residential areas around Old Town Scottsdale during complaint responses."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Scottsdale, AZ code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction noise is regulated by Sec. 31-13 of the City Code, which addresses situations where a construction site may impact. Specific operational hours for construction are not detailed in available summaries.
Sound from businesses serving alcohol or providing live entertainment is prohibited if it creates unreasonable noise disturbing residential districts, with a limit of 68 dBA at 100 feet from the business. The city is evaluating updates to include reasonable sound standards for bass frequencies and outdoor amplification.
While not specifically detailed as an 'animal noise' ordinance, general 'ambient noise, anytime of day' and 'general disturbance of the peace' are covered under the state disorderly conduct statute, which could include animal-related disturbances.
The state disorderly conduct statute covers 'ambient noise, anytime of day,' including 'UBER pickups, employees playing music, people being loud, general disturbance of the peace,' and 'landscaping equipment, power tools.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
Scottsdale's ordinances primarily address 'unreasonable noise' and 'nuisance parties' rather than universally defined quiet hours. For residential areas, excessive noise after 10:00 PM and particularly after 2:00 AM is generally considered problematic. Specific quiet hours for general residential noise are not explicitly detailed in available ordinance summaries; instead, a 'nuisance' standard applies..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: 480-312-5000.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Scottsdale, AZ
SolvedBest Gear for Scottsdale, AZ Residents
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Humane deterrent that emits a high-frequency sound when it detects barking.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
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Marpac Dohm Classic
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