Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Anchorage

Anchorage, AK Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Daytime commercial limit
70 dB(A) at property line
Nighttime commercial limit
60 dB(A), 10pm-7am
Indoor bass standard
3-5 dB(C) above ambient
Minimum fine
$100 per day
Enforcing agency
Anchorage Health Department

Summary

Bars and nightclubs in Anchorage must keep amplified music within property-line decibel limits, and neighbors can force an indoor bass measurement if the beat carries into their home.

no person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the operation of any amplified sound on private property in such a manner that it raises the total sound levels of the permissible sound limits set forth in Table 2... If the complainant states that the rhythmic bass component of the music is disturbing within their residence, dwelling, or building structure, then the noise enforcement officer may take sound level measurements within the residence, dwelling, or building structure of the complainant.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).

Full Breakdown

Under AMC 15.70.080, commercial noise sources like bars and nightclubs can't push sound past property-line limits: 70 dB(A) into neighboring commercial or residential land by day, dropping to 60 dB(A) at night. For amplified music specifically, subsection C lets a noise enforcement officer step inside a complaining neighbor's home and measure the rhythmic bass component on the C-weighted scale if it's audible there. The Anchorage Health Department enforces the chapter, with fines starting at $100 per day of violation, civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, and double fines for repeat offenses within a year.

Violations & Fines

Blasting bass that's audible inside a neighbor's home after hours, or exceeding the 60-70 dB(A) property-line limit for commercial sound, triggers enforcement: fines start at $100/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bar's music be measured inside my house?
Yes: if the rhythmic bass is disturbing you, a noise enforcement officer can take C-weighted measurements inside your home under AMC 15.70.080(C).
What's the noise limit for a nightclub near my house?
70 dB(A) at the property line by day (7am-10pm), dropping to 60 dB(A) at night (10pm-7am), under AMC 15.70.080 Table 1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anchorage

Low-Frequency Bass LimitsSome RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsSome RestrictionsDelivery Truck NoiseSome RestrictionsGenerator NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Anchorage rules

Compare Anchorage to another location·View the Alaska noise from specific sources overview

Get notified when Bar & Nightclub Noise in Anchorage, AK changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.