Spring Hill, TN Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Section 11-402 is the Unnecessary Noise Standard of the Spring Hill Municipal Code, adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Its opening paragraph prohibits any loud noise or any noise that annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, and then lists examples that are expressly not exclusive.

Item (9) is the delivery rule. It prohibits the creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or dumpster, or with the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers. The code words the hours as a flag, not a safe harbor: the rule applies "particularly" outside 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the question is still whether the noise is loud and excessive.

Item (8) reaches the truck itself. It prohibits using an automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. A box truck with a rattling load or a failing body panel falls under that wording.

Subsection (B) lists what is weighed in deciding whether a violation exists: the volume and intensity of the noise, whether it is usual or unusual, the volume of background noise, proximity to residential sleeping facilities, the nature and zoning of the area, the density of inhabitation, the time of day or night, the duration, whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant, and whether a commercial or non-commercial activity produces it.

The decibel table in subsection (C)(2) carves out noise emanating from cars, trucks or motorcycles, so items (8) and (9) are the provisions written for vehicle and loading-dock noise. Operators of stores and warehouses near homes should read item (9) together with the 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. yelling and customer-parking rule in item (4).