Franklin, TN Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Franklin's construction-hours ordinance defines 'construction activity' to include, among other listed acts, continual use of portable generators where the electric utility will connect temporary power service (Sec. 12-1301(2)(d)). , and no construction activity requiring a permit may occur on Sundays and city holidays. The generator restriction applies specifically to continual use while a site awaits permanent electric utility connection, distinguishing routine job-site generators from emergency generators run by utilities restoring service, which fall under the separate 'emergency activities' exemption in Sec. 12-1301(3)(h). A generator running on a greenfield or unoccupied-building site more than 1,000 feet from an occupied residence is exempt from the hours restriction altogether under Sec.

12-1301(3)(a), and generator noise from work fully inside an occupied structure that isn't audible from the adjacent street is exempt under Sec. 12-1301(3)(b). As with all construction activity, the owner, developer, and general contractor can each be cited if a generator runs outside the permitted hours, and citations can reach the equipment-rental company that supplied it. A contractor who racks up two or more stop-work orders in 12 months for hours violations, including generator noise, is barred from new permits on related projects for at least a month and must complete additional erosion-control training before resuming a normal inspection schedule.