Bradenton, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Delivery and loading noise in the City of Bradenton is controlled by the Sound Control Ordinance, Article V of Chapter 38. Section 38-154(a)(2)f declares it unreasonable sound to load, unload, open, close or otherwise handle boxes, crates, containers, equipment, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects in such a manner as to annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of a reasonable person of normal sensibilities, during restricted hours.

The restricted hours are 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. The rule applies in or within 50 yards of any residential real property line or noise-sensitive area, so a loading dock behind a shopping center is covered if a residence sits within 50 yards. The prohibition has two parts, and both must be met: the handling occurs in the restricted window near residences, and it is done in a manner that disturbs a reasonable person. The only stated exemption is for solid waste collection activities of a governmental agency or governmental agency contractor.

Section 38-154(b) lists what officers weigh in deciding whether the noise is disturbing: the level and intensity of the sound, whether the nature of the sound is usual or unusual, the background sound level, proximity to residential sleeping facilities, the zoning of the area, the time of day or night, the duration, and whether the sound comes from a commercial or noncommercial activity. Commercial deliveries at night near bedrooms sit at the harshest end of that list.

Decibel limits under § 38-155 apply in addition. In areas zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, T-3 or residential PDPs, continuous sound is limited to 65 dBA/dBC between 10:00 p.m. and 7 a.m., and impulsive sound such as a dropped crate is capped at 80 dBA at the real property line. A business that needs after-hours deliveries can apply to the city clerk for a special permit under § 38-156, which the clerk must decide within 15 days.

The Bradenton Police Department and the code enforcement division of the planning and community development department enforce under § 38-158.