Chattanooga, TN Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
(b)(1)For entities possessing a Downtown Amplified Music District Permit in the designated Downtown Amplified Music District, it shall be unlawful to emit sound in excess of the following limits as measured at the property line of the business producing the sound averaged over one (1) minute: Time (Monday-Thursday) / Sound Level Limit dB(A) / Sound Level Limit dB(C): 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. / 80 / 90; 11:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. / 65 / 80.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 25-69(b)(1) governs venues holding a Downtown Amplified Music District (AMD) Permit: the mechanism bars and nightclubs in the entertainment district use to legally run amplified music above the citywide baseline. Measured at the property line and averaged over one minute, the cap runs 55 dB(A)/70 dB(C) from 3:00-11:00 a.m., 80 dB(A)/90 dB(C) from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (midnight Friday-Sunday), and 65 dB(A)/80 dB(C) overnight. A venue racking up more than three violations in ninety days risks having its AMD Permit suspended or revoked by the Land Development Officer.
Violations & Fines
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do downtown Chattanooga bars have special noise rules?
What happens if a bar keeps violating the noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee noise from specific sources overview
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