Noise Ordinances in Memphis, TN (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Memphis Code of Ordinances Chapter 9-68 (Noise Control) prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise within city limits. Quiet hours are enforced as 11 PM to 7 AM for residential areas. Memphis Police enforce violations: 901-545-COPS.
Memphis Quiet Hours & Noise Ordinance
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 prohibits construction noise on Sundays and restricts hours to 7 AM–6 PM on other days. A permit from the Superintendent of Public Works is required for work outside these hours. No Sunday construction without permit.
Memphis Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Barking dogs are a prohibited noise under Memphis Code Ch. 9-68 (Noise Control) and animal provisions in Title 8. Excessive barking constitutes a public nuisance; Memphis Animal Control and Police enforce. State law TCA §44-8-408 also applies.
Memphis Barking Dog Regulations
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Memphis restricts leaf blower use to daytime hours under the city noise ordinance. Gas blowers are permitted but must not produce sound that is plainly audible across property lines during restricted nighttime hours. Commercial landscapers should operate between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to avoid complaints.
Leaf Blower Rules in Memphis
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Memphis regulates amplified music through its noise ordinance, with stricter limits after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Beale Street entertainment district has dedicated rules allowing extended amplified music hours, while residential neighborhoods follow the plainly-audible standard at property lines.
Amplified Music Rules in Memphis
Heavy RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Memphis is home to Memphis International Airport (MEM) and FedEx World Hub, one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. Aircraft noise is federally regulated by FAA; the city has no local authority over flight paths. Complaints directed to airport authority.
Memphis Aircraft Noise Regulations & Airport Compatibility
Some RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial noise in Memphis is regulated through zoning-based decibel limits and the city noise ordinance. Facilities in heavy industrial zones along the Mississippi River and near the FedEx World Hub must not exceed limits at the nearest residential property line, typically 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime.
Industrial Noise Rules in Memphis
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Memphis uses a combined decibel and plainly-audible standard. Residential zones cap noise at roughly 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA at night, measured at the property line. Commercial zones allow 70 dBA and industrial 75 dBA, stepping down to residential limits at any shared boundary.
Decibel Limits in Memphis
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music in Memphis is allowed with permits for events and is restricted in residential neighborhoods to the plainly-audible standard. Beale Street, the Levitt Shell at Overton Park, and FedExForum area operate under special-event or district rules that permit louder outdoor performance.