Lake Havasu City, AZ Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Section 9.30.030 lists 16 categories of noise exempt from the citywide decibel limits set in Section 9.30.050. Subsection (D) covers "noise of safety signals, warning and alarm devices, generators used in times of emergency, emergency generators, storm warning sirens, emergency pressure relief valves or horns and the authorized testing of such equipment." That means both actual emergency use and scheduled maintenance testing of emergency generators and related safety gear fall outside the ordinance's reach. Where a generator is not being used for an emergency or authorized testing, its noise is measured like any other source against the three zone standards: Zone I residential property capped at 45 dB(A) overnight and up to 65 dB(A) by day on weekends, Zone II commercial property capped at 60 dB(A) overnight and 70 dB(A) by day, and Zone III industrial property capped at 60 dB(A) overnight and 85 dB(A) by day.

Measurements are taken on the A-weighted scale with a calibrated sound level meter under Section 9.30.040, and a violation occurs when a 5-minute average, or an instantaneous spike 10 dB(A) above the standard, is exceeded under Section 9.30.050(E). The Lake Havasu City Police Department enforces the entire chapter, including determining whether a given generator's noise qualifies for the emergency exemption, under Section 9.30.080.