Ann Arbor's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, there are 4 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.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Ann Arbor bars running power equipment, including HVAC compressors and condensers, loud enough to carry past your property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and caps daytime operation at 90 dB(A) beyond the line.
Key details: Nighttime cutoff: 10 p.m.-7 a.m. banned. Daytime dB(A) cap: 90 dB(A) at property line. Governs: HVAC as "power equipment". First-offense fine: $50-$500 plus costs.
A civil infraction: $50-$500 plus costs 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.
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Ann Arbor bars and nightclubs cannot run amplified sound audible beyond the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and daytime commercial noise is capped at 71 dB(A) under the city's noise ordinance.
Key details: Amplified sound curfew: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., citywide. Commercial daytime limit: 71 dB(A) at property line. Commercial nighttime limit: 61 dB(A) at property line. First-offense fine: $50 to $500 plus costs. Governing section: City Code § 9:363(6).
Violating § 9:363 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 for a third.
Delivery Truck Noise
Ann Arbor bans loud, unnecessary noise from loading or unloading vehicles, or from opening, closing, or destroying bales, boxes, or crates, any time it's audible beyond the property line.
Key details: Applies: any time, day or night. Covered noise: loading/unloading, crate handling. Test: audible beyond the property line. First-offense fine: $50 to $500 plus costs. Governing section: City Code § 9:363(7).
A first violation of § 9:363(7) is a civil infraction: $50-$500 plus costs; a second within two years is $100-$500; a third or later is $200-$500 plus up to 240 hours community service.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Ann Arbor bans amplified car stereos audible more than 50 feet away, covering the bass-heavy sound that carries loudest from parked or moving vehicles.
Key details: Audibility limit: 50 feet from vehicle. Covers: cars, motorcycles, mopeds. Applies: parked or moving. Adopted: Ord. No. 26-90 (1990).
A violation is enforced as a noise ordinance civil infraction; officers judge audibility by ordinary human hearing at the 50-foot mark, no decibel meter required.
The Bottom Line
Ann Arbor's noise from specific sources 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.
This guide is based on Ann Arbor's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.