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Hoover, AL Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Exempt use
Properly muffled generators
Same exemption covers
Lawn maintenance engines
Unmuffled generator
Loses the exemption
Governing section
§ 11-153(b)(5)d

Summary

Hoover's noise ordinance exempts a properly muffled generator used to produce electrical power from its general ban on disturbing sound, so a quiet, well-maintained backup generator is legal to run.

The operation and maintenance of a properly muffled internal combustion engine for the purposes of generating electrical power or for the purpose of lawn maintenance; ande.Noise or sound created in the performance of public service by governmental agencies or their contractors; or emergency work engaged in by persons for the public safety, health or welfare; or to restore property to a safe condition following a public emergency; or work to restore essential public services, including construction activities directly related to the abatement of any emergency.(6)Responsibility for creation of noise. Any person creating any such sound or noise as described in this section and/or anyone permitting such a sound or noise to be created in, or emanate from, any premises under his/her care, custody or control shall be presumed responsible for any such sound or noise.(7)Penalty. At any time until the close of business on the last business day before the day set for the trial, the defendant may elect to enter a guilty plea to the offense and waive his/her right to trial before the magistrate and pay a fine and court cost to the court in accordance with the following schedule: First offense .....$50.00

Second offense .....$100.00

Third offense .....court required

(Ord. No. 01-1811, 4-16-01; Ord. No. 20-2484, § 1, 7-20-20; Ord. No. 20-2490, § 1, 8-3-20)

Secs. 11-154—11-160. - Reserved.

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 23).

Full Breakdown

Section 11-153(b) bans amplified or disruptive noise citywide, but subsection (b)(5)d carves out an exception for "the operation and maintenance of a properly muffled internal combustion engine for the purposes of generating electrical power or for the purpose of lawn maintenance." That means a backup or portable generator is exempt from the noise ordinance as long as its engine runs through a proper muffler. An unmuffled or poorly maintained generator loses that exemption and falls back under the general ban on sound that "annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose" of neighbors.

Violations & Fines

A generator running without adequate muffling isn't exempt and can be cited under the general noise-nuisance ban in § 11-153(b)(1), with fines starting at $50 for a first offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a generator overnight in Hoover after a storm?
Yes, if it's properly muffled, § 11-153(b)(5)d exempts muffled generators used to produce electrical power from the noise ordinance, regardless of time of day.
What if my generator has no muffler?
It loses the exemption and can be cited under the general noise-nuisance ban for disturbing neighbors' quiet and repose.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hoover

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