How Memphis Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Memphis maintains 200 local ordinances across all categories, and 9 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Memphis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Outdoor Music
Outdoor music in Memphis is allowed with permits for events and is restricted in residential neighborhoods to the plainly-audible standard. Beale Street, the Levitt Shell at Overton Park, and FedExForum area operate under special-event or district rules that permit louder outdoor performance.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.memphistn.gov) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Amplified Music & Events
Memphis regulates amplified music through its noise ordinance, with stricter limits after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Beale Street entertainment district has dedicated rules allowing extended amplified music hours, while residential neighborhoods follow the plainly-audible standard at property lines.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Compared to other cities, Memphis takes a harder line on amplified music & events. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Industrial Noise
Industrial noise in Memphis is regulated through zoning-based decibel limits and the city noise ordinance. Facilities in heavy industrial zones along the Mississippi River and near the FedEx World Hub must not exceed limits at the nearest residential property line, typically 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Leaf Blower Rules
Memphis restricts leaf blower use to daytime hours under the city noise ordinance. Gas blowers are permitted but must not produce sound that is plainly audible across property lines during restricted nighttime hours. Commercial landscapers should operate between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to avoid complaints.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Aircraft Noise
Memphis is home to Memphis International Airport (MEM) and FedEx World Hub, one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. Aircraft noise is federally regulated by FAA; the city has no local authority over flight paths. Complaints directed to airport authority.
Key details: Airport: Memphis Intl Airport (MEM) + FedEx Hub. Authority: FAA (no local control). Complaints: Memphis Airport Authority / FAA. Local Rule: None — federal preemption.
New construction without required sound insulation in airport zones carries stop-work orders and fines of $500–$2,000. Failure to provide real estate noise disclosure results in liability for rescission of sale.
Decibel Limits
Memphis uses a combined decibel and plainly-audible standard. Residential zones cap noise at roughly 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA at night, measured at the property line. Commercial zones allow 70 dBA and industrial 75 dBA, stepping down to residential limits at any shared boundary.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Construction Hours
Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 prohibits construction noise on Sundays and restricts hours to 7 AM–6 PM on other days. A permit from the Superintendent of Public Works is required for work outside these hours. No Sunday construction without permit.
Key details: Permitted Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM (Mon–Sat). Sundays: Prohibited without special permit. Permit: Supt. of Public Works for extended hours. Code: Memphis Code Ch. 9-68.
First offense: $100 to $500. Stop-work orders for egregious violations. Repeat: up to $1,000.
Barking Dogs
Barking dogs are a prohibited noise under Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 (Noise Control) and animal provisions in Title 8. Excessive barking constitutes a public nuisance; Memphis Animal Control and Police enforce. State law TCA §44-8-408 also applies.
Key details: Code: Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 / Title 8. Standard: Excessive barking = public nuisance. Enforcement: Memphis Animal Control / Police. State Law: TCA §44-8-408 (dogs at large).
Warning first. Nuisance finding: $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.
Quiet Hours
Memphis Code of Ordinances Chapter 9-68 (Noise Control) prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise within city limits. Quiet hours are enforced as 11 PM to 7 AM for residential areas. Memphis Police enforce violations: 901-545-COPS.
Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM – 7 AM. Code: Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 (Noise Control). Enforcement: Memphis Police: 901-545-COPS. Standard: Unreasonably loud noise = public nuisance.
Violations are civil public nuisance citations. Repeat violations may result in escalating fines.
The Bottom Line
Memphis'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 Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Memphis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.