Noise from Specific Sources in Chattanooga, TN

If you live in Chattanooga or are thinking about moving there, noise from specific sources are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Chattanooga has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise from specific sources, and some of them might surprise you.

Delivery Truck Noise

Chattanooga City Code § 25-68(a)(10) declares loud, excessive noise from loading or unloading a vehicle, or from opening bales, boxes, crates and containers, an unlawful noise citywide. The rule sets no decibel figure or curfew hours; it bans the racket outright whenever it rises to 'loud and excessive,' any time of day.

Key details: Governing section: Chattanooga City Code § 25-68(a)(10). Standard: 'loud and excessive,' no decibel number. Applies: citywide, any hour. Related rule: refuse loaders barred 9pm-7am, § 25-79(a)(8). Max penalty: $500 per violation, § 25-74.

Loading-noise violations are enforced under § 25-74: a $50.00 citation fine per violation, plus a discretionary civil penalty of up to $500.00 to cover the city's administrative costs of enforcement, or a conditional civil penalty up to $500.00 waived if the violator avoids another Article III violation for a year. The combined fines and penalties for one violation cannot exceed $500.00.

Chattanooga is more permissive than most cities when it comes to delivery truck noise. That said, there are still limits.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Chattanooga bars and nightclubs holding a Downtown Amplified Music District Permit follow a decibel table allowing up to 80 dB(A) through late evening, tightening to 55-65 dB(A) overnight and before 11 a.m.

Key details: Midday/evening cap: 80 dB(A)/90 dB(C), 11am-11pm. Overnight cap: 65 dB(A)/80 dB(C). Early morning cap: 55 dB(A)/70 dB(C), 3-11am. Permit revoked after: 3 violations in 90 days.

Sound-level violations bring a $50 citation and up to $500 in civil penalties per offense under § 25-74; a venue that won't reduce levels can be shut down until its next usual opening time under § 25-74(c).

Low-Frequency Bass Limits

Chattanooga bans car stereos audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle, and the code explicitly says that standard includes bass reverberation even when the words aren't distinguishable.

Key details: Audibility distance: 50 feet from the vehicle. Covers: Bass reverberation named specifically. Applies to: Streets, alleys, lots, driveways. Base fine: $50 citation per violation.

A citation carries a $50 fine plus up to a $500 civil penalty per violation under § 25-74; police can issue the citation on the spot.

The Bottom Line

Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Chattanooga'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.