How Ann Arbor Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Ann Arbor maintains 85 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ann Arbor falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Aircraft Noise

Ann Arbor's local noise ordinance expressly does not apply to aircraft, leaving aircraft noise regulated by federal and state aviation authority instead of the city.

Key details: Local coverage: Aircraft noise excluded. Excluded alongside: Motor vehicles, railroad equipment. Governing chapter: Ch. 119, Noise Control, Art. I. Who regulates instead: FAA / state aviation authority.

Not applicable, § 9:360(2) excludes aircraft noise from Chapter 119 entirely, so the city's noise-violation penalties (fines up to $500) do not attach to aircraft sound.

The rules around aircraft noise in Ann Arbor lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Quiet Hours

Ann Arbor bans power tools, pest-control devices, bells, radios and amplified music that are audible beyond the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., citywide under Chapter 119.

Key details: Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. Covered noise sources: power tools, radios, bells, PA systems. Test: audible beyond the property line. First-offense fine: $50 to $500 plus costs. Governing section: City Code § 9:363.

Violations are civil infractions under §§ 9:369-9:370: $50-$500 for a first offense, $100-$500 for a second within two years, and $200-$500 plus up to 240 hours community service for a third or later offense.

Vehicle Noise

Ann Arbor caps street noise from motor vehicles at 76 to 90 dB(A), measured 50 feet away, with stricter limits for cars than heavy trucks and motorcycles.

Key details: Passenger car limit: 76-82 dB(A). Heavy truck limit (8,500+ lbs): 86-90 dB(A). Measured at: 50 feet distance. Max civil fine: $100.

Most vehicle-noise violations are civil infractions capped at $100; knowingly installing an over-limit muffler adds liability to the driver who gets ticketed for $100 plus attorney fees and court costs under section 9:381.

Leaf Blower Rules

Ann Arbor bans gas-powered leaf blowers citywide every summer, June 1 to September 30, and phases them out completely starting January 1, 2028 under Chapter 75 of the city code.

Key details: Summer ban: June 1-Sept 30, gas blowers prohibited. Full citywide ban: Begins January 1, 2028. First offense fine: $100.00 minimum plus costs. Repeat offense fine: $250.00 minimum plus costs. Adopted: Ord. No. 23-35, Dec. 18, 2023.

Civil infraction: $100 fine minimum for a first offense, $250 minimum for repeat violations, plus costs.

Compared to other cities, Ann Arbor takes a harder line on leaf blower rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Barking Dogs

Barking, howling or other animal noise that disturbs neighbors violates Ann Arbor's animal noise nuisance rule; noise audible off the property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is presumed a violation.

Key details: Presumption window: 10 p.m.–7 a.m., off-property noise. Maximum fine: $500 civil infraction. Impoundment: Authorized under § 9:48(6). Governing sections: § 9:45(4), § 9:47(2).

Civil infraction, fine up to $500 under § 9:47(2); an animal control officer may also impound an animal causing a noise nuisance under § 9:48(6).

Decibel Limits

Ann Arbor caps outdoor sound at the property line by zone and time: 61 dB(A) daytime/55 dB(A) nighttime for residential areas, 71 dB(A) daytime/61 dB(A) nighttime for commercial areas.

Key details: Residential day limit: 61 dB(A), 7am-10pm. Residential night limit: 55 dB(A), 10pm-7am. Commercial day limit: 71 dB(A), 7am-10pm. Commercial night limit: 61 dB(A), 10pm-7am.

A civil infraction of $50-$500 plus costs for a first violation, escalating to $100-$500 for a second and $200-$500 for a third within two years, plus possible community service.

Construction Hours

Ann Arbor bans construction, demolition, and excavation noise all day on Sundays and holidays and from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weeknights, with a daytime exemption capped at 105 dB(A).

Key details: Weeknight curfew: 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.. Sunday/holiday rule: construction banned all day. Daytime exemption limit: 105 dB(A) at property line. Liable parties: contractors, foremen, developers, owners. Governing section: City Code § 9:363(5).

Violating the construction curfew under § 9:363(5) is a civil infraction: $50-$500 for a first offense, $100-$500 for a second within two years, and $200-$500 plus up to 240 hours community service after that.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Ann Arbor exempts parades, concerts, festivals and fairs from the standard noise limits only when the sound stays within whatever limits the city sets in its event approval.

Key details: Exempt activities: parades, concerts, festivals, fairs. Condition: subject to city-approved sound limits. Without approval: falls under general dB(A) table.

Without city approval setting the limits, an outdoor event's sound reverts to the general noise rules: a civil infraction of $50-$500, escalating to $200-$500 for repeat violations within two years.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ann Arbor is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Ann Arbor's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.