Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Fulton County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fulton County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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)

View official code

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?
Yes, in the unincorporated county. § 46-137(15) requires blowers, power fans and internal combustion engines to be muffled so noise from exploding gases or fluids is deadened.
What happens if my generator noise isn't muffled?
It's a prohibited noise under § 46-137, punishable under subsection (c) by up to 30 days in the county work camp, a $500 fine, or both.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fulton County

All Fulton County rules

Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia noise from specific sources overview

Get notified when Generator Noise in Fulton County, GA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Generator Noise in Cities Across Fulton County