Fulton County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Requires
- Functioning muffler on engines, blowers
- Covers
- Generators, power fans, engines
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 30 days
- Section
- Fulton County Code § 46-137(15)
Summary
Unincorporated Fulton County requires portable generators and other internal combustion engines to run with a muffler that deadens explosion noise, treating unmuffled engine or blower noise as a prohibited nuisance.
The operation of any noise-creating blower or power fan or any internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, unless the noise from the blower or fan is muffled and the engine is equipped with a muffler device sufficient to deaden the noise.(16)Sound tracks. The use of mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving or standing vehicles for advertising or other commercial purposes. The use of sound trucks for noncommercial purposes during hours and in places and with volume as would constitute this use as a public nuisance, provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to or be enforced against:a.Any vehicle of the county while engaged in necessary public business;b.Excavations or repairs of streets by or on behalf of the city, county, or state at night when the public welfare and convenience renders it impossible to perform such work during the day; orc.The reasonable use of amplifiers or loudspeakers in the course of public addresses which are noncommercial in character.(c)Upon finding of guilt for the violation of this section, the offender shall be subject to imprisonment in a county work camp for a term not exceeding one month or by fine not exceeding $500.00, or both. (Code 1983, § 34-1-4; 90-RCM-249, 3-21-90; Res. No. 04-0263, 2-18-04; Res. No. 05-1488, 2-1-06)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Fulton County Code § 46-137(15) prohibits operating a noise-creating blower, power fan, or internal combustion engine, including portable generators, without a muffler sufficient to deaden noise from the explosion of operating gases or fluids. The rule sits inside the county's general noise ordinance and applies only in unincorporated Fulton County. Violations carry the same penalty as any other prohibited noise under § 46-137(c): up to 30 days in the county work camp, a $500 fine, or both.
Violations & Fines
An unmuffled generator, blower or engine violation under § 46-137(15) is punishable under § 46-137(c) by up to 30 days in the county work camp, a $500 fine, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a muffler on a portable generator in Fulton County?
What happens if my generator noise isn't muffled?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia noise from specific sources overview
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