Atlanta, GA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- audible 300 ft, 7am-11pm/midnight
- Nighttime limit
- audible 100 ft, 11pm-7am
- Variance fee
- $25, valid up to 14 days
- Variance authority
- Dept. of City Planning commissioner
- Permit tie-in
- Code § 46-108(6)
Summary
Atlanta filming permits require producers to comply with the citywide noise ordinance, which caps amplified sound and equipment noise at levels audible beyond 300 feet in daytime and 100 feet overnight unless a temporary variance is obtained.
It is unlawful for any person or persons to play, use, operate...any radio receiving device, television, stereo, musical instrument, phonograph sound amplifier or other machines or devices...so as to create...any noises or sounds which are plainly audible at a distance of 300 feet or more from the building, structure or vehicle...between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and...7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Full Breakdown
Code § 46-108(6) makes compliance with the Atlanta Noise Ordinance (Chapter 74, Article IV) a mandatory condition of every entertainment filming permit. The ordinance's operative standard, § 74-131(a), bars sound-amplifying equipment, generators, and other machine noise plainly audible 300 feet beyond the property line from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday (7:00 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday), tightening to 100 feet overnight under § 74-131(b). A production that needs to exceed those limits, night shoots with generators or amplified dialogue, must apply for a temporary noise variance under § 74-135, pay a $25 fee, and can hold approval for up to 14 days.
Violations & Fines
Violating the noise limits during filming is punished under Code § 1-8 general penalties, and § 74-137 makes each day of continued violation a separate offense: on top of risking permit suspension or a stop-work order under § 46-107(3)-(4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do film permits exempt productions from Atlanta's noise ordinance?
How can a production legally run noisy equipment past normal hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
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