Tucson, AZ Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Tucson's excessive-noise ordinance, City Code § 16-31, sets the numeric ceiling that governs bars, nightclubs and other commercial sound sources. m. Those levels are measured on an A-weighted sound level meter at the receiving property line, so a nightclub's DJ system, live band or PA can be cited once neighboring commercial or residential property registers a reading above the applicable threshold. Subsection (b) adds a second, meter-independent standard: even where a decibel reading isn't taken, it is unlawful to allow or cause continuous or intermittent noise persisting fifteen minutes or more from an amplifier, musical instrument, or sound-reproduction device that is plainly audible beyond the property line and disturbs the peace and quiet of a neighborhood or person.

Where the bar or club abuts residential property used solely for residential purposes, the stricter residential figures in Table I (70 dB(A) day, 62 dB(A) night) apply to that portion of the property. The city manager may grant a written temporary exemption, capped at 30 days, weighing factors like proximity to residences, sound density of the area, and time of day (subsection (d)); property owners with pre-existing noise-generating uses may instead seek a variance from the board of adjustment under subsection (e). Enforcement is assigned to the Tucson Police Department and the city attorney's office under subsection (m), and a complaining neighbor does not have to appear in court for a citation to stick.