Noise from Specific Sources in Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert maintains 121 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Gilbert falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Gilbert exempts air-conditioning, pool and spa equipment from its noise code only conditionally. Code of Gilbert § 42-61(c)(1) requires the equipment to be "properly functioning in accordance with manufacturer's specifications" AND to meet the residential community noise standards in subsection (e): a broken or oversized unit can lose the exemption.

Key details: Exemption: Conditional exemption for A/C, pool, spa equipment. Condition: Must function per specs AND meet noise table. Residential night cap: 45 dB(A), 10 p.m.–5 a.m.. Residential day cap: 55 dB(A), 5 a.m.–10 p.m.. Civil fine: $100–$500 per violation, § 42-65(a)(1).

A civil hearing officer may impose a sanction of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for each violation of § 42-61 caused by non-exempt HVAC, pool, or spa equipment. Three or more civil violations within a 24-month period make the property owner a habitual offender, exposing them to a criminal misdemeanor charge, up to six months in jail, and a mandatory minimum $500.00 fine per count.

Gilbert is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hvac & mechanical noise. That said, there are still limits.

Generator Noise

Gilbert exempts emergency generators, storm sirens and alarm devices, plus their authorized testing, from the town's noise-level limits, but a portable or standby generator run for routine, non-emergency power must meet the same community noise standards as any other sound source: 45 dB(A) overnight in residential areas.

Key details: Exempt uses: Emergency generators, alarms, storm sirens, testing. Non-emergency generators: Must meet community noise standards. Residential nighttime cap: 45 dB(A), 10 p.m.–5 a.m.. Residential daytime cap: 55 dB(A), 5 a.m.–10 p.m.. First-offense fine: $100–$500 civil sanction.

A generator that isn't covered by the Section 42-61(c)(4) emergency exemption and exceeds the community noise standard is a civil violation under Section 42-65: a civil sanction of not less than $100 nor more than $500 per violation, imposed by the town's civil hearing officer. A habitual offender, three or more civil violations of the noise division within 24 months, faces a criminal misdemeanor complaint in Gilbert municipal court, punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine up to $2,500, with a mandatory minimum fine of $500 per count.

The Bottom Line

Gilbert'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 Gilbert is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Gilbert 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.