Macon-Bibb County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Sec. 15-26(b) of the general County Code lists acts declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises. Item (6), "Exhausts," makes it unlawful to discharge into the open air the exhaust of any stationary steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine, except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises. A backup or portable generator running a gasoline or diesel engine falls within "stationary internal combustion engine" for purposes of this provision. The requirement sits inside the broader prohibition in Sec.

m. on weekends when audible inside a nearby closed home, adds exposure under the general nighttime rule on top of the muffler requirement. Chapter 15's noise article does not carry its own fine schedule (the Sec. 15-22/15-23 fine table applies only to Sec. 15-1 nuisance conditions and specific property-maintenance code sections), so generator-noise violations fall under the Code's general penalty provision at Sec. 1-6.