Forsyth County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Unincorporated Forsyth County (everywhere but the City of Cumming) bans loud commercial noise under Section 34-152(b) of the Code of Ordinances, which makes it unlawful for any person, including a bar or nightclub operator, to make or continue any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others. The county gives this general ban objective teeth through two more specific rules in Section 34-153. is prima facie evidence of a violation under subsection (1).

) or 70 dB(A) during the day, measured at or outside the residential property line, with a ten-decibel-above-ambient alternative test if that number is higher. Where the two standards conflict, the specific decibel rule in subsection (9) controls over the general enumeration in subsections (1) through (8). Enforcement officers retain discretion under subsection (9)(d) to skip a citation if the noise would not disturb a person of reasonable sensitivity even when the decibel threshold is technically exceeded. Citations are prosecuted in Forsyth County Magistrate Court, and any code enforcement officer or sheriff's deputy may take and certify a sound-level-meter reading as evidence.