Tucson, AZ
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Tucson, AZ.
Ordinance Summary
Tucson, AZ noise ordinances, found in Tucson Code Section 16-31, prohibit excessive noise disturbing public peace. Residential areas have decibel limits of 70 dBA during the day (7 AM-10 PM) and 62 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM). Specific rules govern construction, amplified sound, and animal noise, with penalties for violations.
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Police Non-Emergency
(520) 791-4444Decibel Limits
"Decibel limits are measured at the receiving property line between 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (day) and 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (night)."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Tucson, AZ code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction activities are generally prohibited from 8:00 p.m. to sunrise, Monday through Saturday, and at any time on Sundays and legal holidays. An exception allows work at one's own residence from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays or legal holidays. However, a new state law allows construction to begin at 5:00 a.m. from May 1 through October 15 on weekdays, with concrete pours permitted at 4:00 a.m., overriding previous city sunrise regulations. Temporary noise exemptions can be requested for activities outside these hours or exceeding decibel limits.
It is unlawful to allow continuous or intermittent amplified sound that persists for 15 minutes or more and disturbs others. Property-line limits of 70 dBA by day and 62 dBA by night apply. Sound amplification systems in vehicles are prohibited if plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or causing a person to be aware of vibration at 50 feet.
Owning, possessing, harboring, or permitting any animal or bird that frequently or for continuous duration howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds disturbing the peace is prohibited. Peace officers or county animal control officers are authorized to issue citations. Pima Animal Care Center encourages mediation and requires a noise log for formal complaints.
Creating or allowing a loud, disturbing noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle is prohibited. Sound amplification systems in vehicles are prohibited if plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or causing a person to be aware of vibration at 50 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: (520) 791-4444.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Official Sources
Noise Solutions for Tucson, AZ
SolvedBest Gear for Tucson, AZ Residents
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