Forsyth County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime dB cap
- 70 dB(A) does not apply to delivery trucks
- Exemption text
- 'public and private transportation... services'
- Exemption window
- 7am-11pm only; nighttime cap still applies
- General nuisance ban
- 34-152(b) still applies regardless
- Also exempt
- refuse collection and sanitation crews
- Enforced by
- Sheriff's Office and Code Compliance
Summary
Forsyth County exempts delivery trucks, sanitation crews and other transportation and refuse-collection services from its daytime decibel cap. Under Section 34-153(9)e.8, the 70 dB(A) daytime noise limit that otherwise governs sound reaching a residential zone does not apply to public and private transportation or sanitation activity between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
b.Daytime. Notwithstanding any provision in this article to the contrary, no person shall permit, operate or cause any source of sound to create a sound level in a residential zone or within any residential building during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. in excess of 70 dB(A) or ten dB(A) above ambient levels (whichever is more), when measured at or outside the property boundary...e.Exemptions. The following activities or sources of noise shall be exempt from the daytime prohibition set forth in subsection (b) of this section:...8.Public and private transportation, refuse collection and sanitation services.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).
Full Breakdown
under Section 34-153(9)(b). ' That means a delivery truck idling, backing up with a beeper, or running a compressor during normal daytime hours is not held to the 70 dB(A) benchmark the way a stereo or generator would be. The same exemption list also covers school and church activities, gardening and landscaping equipment, and construction noise separately regulated under Section 34-153(4). Two limits still apply, however. The exemption only reaches the specific daytime decibel standard in subsection (9)(b); it does not excuse a delivery operation from the general nuisance ban in Section 34-152(b), which independently makes it unlawful to make noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of neighbors regardless of decibel level or time of day. and exceeds that nighttime threshold at a residential boundary remains enforceable.
Violations & Fines
Because transportation and sanitation activity is exempt from the daytime 70 dB(A) cap, ordinary delivery-truck noise between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. is not, by itself, a citable decibel violation. A truck's noise can still be cited under the general nuisance ban in Section 34-152(b) if it unreasonably disturbs neighbors, or under the 60 dB(A) nighttime cap if it occurs between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violations are misdemeanors, punishable up to $1,000.00 and 60 days in jail absent a specific penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complain about a delivery truck's noise in Forsyth County?
Does the delivery-truck exemption apply at night?
Are trash trucks covered by the same exemption as delivery trucks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the Georgia noise from specific sources overview
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