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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 18-4(c)(3), Exhausts
Requirement
Effective muffler on stationary engines
Covers
Generators, motorboats, motor vehicles
Max fine
$50 plus up to $500 costs

Summary

Knoxville bans unmuffled generator and stationary-engine exhaust noise citywide, requiring a muffler or equivalent device that prevents loud or explosive sound, whether or not the decibel standard in Section 18-3 is exceeded.

The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.

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 80).

Full Breakdown

Section 18-4(c) lists acts declared 'unreasonably loud, unusual or unnecessary noises' even if they don't exceed the decibel limits in Section 18-3. Subsection (c)(3) specifically targets exhaust from any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine (the category covering portable and standby generators), motor vehicle, or motorboat engine: it must run through a muffler or comparable device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise. This applies anywhere inside Knoxville city limits, day or night, independent of the residential/commercial decibel thresholds set elsewhere in Chapter 18. A generator running with a damaged, removed, or bypassed muffler violates this provision regardless of measured sound level.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 18 carries the Code's general penalty: a fine up to $50, up to $500 in administrative costs, and/or up to 30 days in jail, each day is a separate offense (§ 1-9).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an unmuffled generator violate Knoxville's noise code even if it's quiet?
Yes. Section 18-4(c)(3) requires a muffler regardless of decibel level; exhaust without one is a violation on its own, separate from the numeric standards in Section 18-3.
Is this rule limited to certain hours?
No: the exhaust-muffling requirement applies at all times, unlike the daytime/nighttime decibel limits and the 8 a.m.–9 p.m. equipment exception elsewhere in Chapter 18.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knoxville

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsLow-Frequency Bass LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Knoxville rules

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