Tempe's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Tempe, Arizona, there are 7 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.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Tempe is directly under Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) flight paths. No local aircraft noise ordinance.
Key details: Federal Preemption: FAA controls airspace/aircraft noise. PHX Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor is adjacent to Tempe — heavy flight path. Local Authority: None over aircraft noise. Contact: PHX Sky Harbor Noise Office for complaints.
No local violations for aircraft noise — federal FAA jurisdiction. Development within 65 DNL contour subject to 2024 amended agreement restrictions.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tempe gives residents more flexibility on aircraft noise.
Amplified Music & Events
Tempe regulates amplified music with focus on the Mill Avenue entertainment district and ASU area. Venue permits required. Residential areas subject to quiet hour enforcement. Special event permits for large gatherings.
Key details: Mill Avenue: Venue permits required. ASU Area: Active enforcement. Residential: Quiet hours apply. Events: Special permits.
Noise violation: $150 to $500. Unpermitted event: $500+. Disorderly conduct: Class 1 misdemeanor up to $2,500.
Quiet Hours
Tempe enforces noise regulations under City Code Chapter 20. Noise plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or within a neighboring residence is prohibited during nighttime hours. The city distinguishes between daytime and nighttime noise thresholds, with stricter enforcement from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM–6 AM. Code Section: Tempe City Code Ch. 20. Audibility Standard: 50 feet from source. Enforcement: Tempe Police Department.
Noise violations are a Class 1 misdemeanor. First offenses typically result in a warning; repeated violations may lead to fines up to $2,500. Police may issue citations on the spot for egregious disturbances.
Construction Hours
Tempe permits construction noise Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 10 PM, with seasonal adjustments allowing earlier starts from May 1 to October 15 to protect workers from extreme heat. Concrete pouring may begin as early as 4 AM during summer months.
Key details: Standard Hours: 6 AM–10 PM (Mon–Sat). Summer Hours (May–Oct): Earlier start permitted. Concrete Pouring: 4 AM during summer months. Off-Hours Work: Requires city manager authorization.
Construction outside permitted hours without authorization violates the noise ordinance. Contractors may receive stop-work orders and face misdemeanor charges with fines up to $2,500.
Barking Dogs
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors can be declared a nuisance. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control handles enforcement.
Key details: Code: Tempe City Code Ch. 20 / MCACC. Standard: Audible at 50 feet or inside neighbor's home. Enforcement: Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Process: Written notice, then citations.
Owners of nuisance barking dogs may face fines. Repeated violations can result in animal impoundment by MCACC. The city may also pursue noise ordinance citations as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Industrial Noise
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exceeding 5 dB(A) above the community noise standard at the property line. Zoning buffers between industrial and residential districts help attenuate noise. The city's industrial areas are concentrated along the I-10 corridor and south Tempe.
Key details: Governing Code: Chapter 20 (Noise). Standard: No more than 5 dB(A) above community noise level. Measurement: At nearest property line or affected area. Industrial Areas: I-10 corridor, south Tempe, Loop 101. Zoning Buffers: Landscaping and walls between zones.
Industrial noise exceeding 5 dB(A) above community standards at the property line may result in citations and orders to mitigate.
Leaf Blower Rules
Tempe does not have a specific leaf blower ban. Leaf blower use is subject to the general noise ordinance (Chapter 20). The city does not distinguish between gas and electric models. Landscape equipment should be used during reasonable daytime hours consistent with the construction noise schedule (6-7 AM start depending on season).
Key details: Specific Ban: None. General Rule: Chapter 20 noise ordinance applies. Gas vs Electric: No distinction in city code. Reasonable Hours: 6 AM (summer) / 7 AM (winter) to 7 PM guideline. HOA Rules: May impose specific equipment hours.
Leaf blower use creating excessive noise may result in complaints under the general noise ordinance. No specific leaf blower penalties exist.
The rules around leaf blower rules in Tempe lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Tempe gives residents more room on noise ordinances. 2 of the 7 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
These rules come from Tempe's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.