Savannah's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Savannah, Georgia, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Quiet Hours

Savannah enforces quiet hours 11 PM to 7 AM in residential areas. The River Street entertainment district and City Market have active nightlife. Open container laws in the historic district enable walking tours that generate pedestrian noise.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM to 7 AM. River Street: Entertainment noise. Open Container: Legal in district. Tours: Walking tour noise.

First offense: $100 to $250 typical. Repeat: up to $500. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 disorderly conduct: misdemeanor, up to 12 months jail and $1,000 fine.

Construction Hours

Savannah allows construction during designated hours. Most Georgia cities permit 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays. Emergency and utility work exempt.

Key details: Weekday: 7 AM to 6 PM. Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM. Sunday: Varies by city. Emergency: Exempt.

First offense: $250 typical. Stop-work orders for egregious violations. Repeat: up to $1,000.

Barking Dogs

Savannah considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. GA Responsible Dog Ownership Law (O.C.G.A. §4-8-20) governs dangerous dogs.

Key details: Threshold: Continuous/excessive. Agency: Savannah Animal Control. First Step: Warning letter. State Law: O.C.G.A. §4-8-20.

Warning first. Nuisance finding: $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Leaf Blower Rules

Savannah has no leaf blower-specific restrictions beyond general noise ordinance limits. Georgia does not restrict gas-powered equipment statewide.

Key details: Restrictions: General noise limits only. Gas Blowers: Not restricted. Season: Spring through fall peak. HOA: May set landscaping hours.

Exceeding noise limits during quiet hours: $100 to $500. No specific leaf blower penalties.

Savannah is more permissive than most cities when it comes to leaf blower rules. That said, there are still limits.

Amplified Music & Events

Savannah regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable disturbances.

Key details: Permit: Required for public events. Residential: General limits apply. State Law: O.C.G.A. §16-11-39. Venues: Conditional use permit.

Noise violation: $100 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disorderly conduct: misdemeanor up to $1,000.

The Bottom Line

Savannah'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 Savannah is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Savannah's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.