Nashville, TN
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Nashville, TN.
Ordinance Summary
Nashville, TN noise ordinances, primarily found in Title 9 of the Metropolitan Code, regulate excessive and amplified sound to ensure community peace. The Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville Department of Transportation, and Department of Codes and Building Safety enforce these regulations, which include specific decibel limits for commercial and entertainment venues, restrictions on construction hours, and prohibitions on various vehicle and animal noises. Violations can result in escalating fines, beginning at $250, and potentially lead to business license revocation for repeat offenders.
Quiet Hours
General residential quiet hours are typically between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends, although specific activities like construction and commercial operations have distinct regulations.
Police Non-Emergency
615-862-8600 (Metro Nashville Police Department)Decibel Limits
"Decibel limits and 'plainly audible' standards vary based on zoning, source of noise, and time of day. Live music may be exempt from the 85 Db(A) limit for outdoor entertainment events."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Nashville, TN code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
General outdoor construction, repair, or demolition is prohibited between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM in most months, and between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM during June, July, and August, excluding specific industrial zones. Construction equipment noise exceeding 70 dB(A) is not allowed in or next to residential districts between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Special permits may be required for blasting and other noisy activities during restricted hours.
Unlawful to operate sound amplification equipment if 'plainly audible' from the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, or from within another residential unit in multi-family structures. Outdoor amplified music for entertainment events is limited to 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential property line, with live music being an exception. Amplification devices mounted externally or operated outside the premises are generally unlawful. Prerecorded music is limited to 85 Db(A).
Unlawful for a pet to make continuous noise as defined in the ordinance (Sec. 92.15).
Operating motor vehicles without a functioning muffler, with modified/defective exhaust systems, or devices that amplify motor noise is prohibited. Exhaust noise 'plainly audible at two hundred feet' is unlawful. Operating sound amplification systems in vehicles that are plainly audible at 50 feet or more, or beyond the property line on private property, is prohibited. Unreasonable use of horns is also unlawful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
General residential quiet hours are typically between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends, although specific activities like construction and commercial operations have distinct regulations..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: 615-862-8600 (Metro Nashville Police Department).
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
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