Forsyth County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Section 34-153(9) of the Code of Ordinances is written broadly enough to reach mechanical equipment noise, not just music or traffic: it bars 'any source of sound' from creating a sound level in a residential zone, or inside a residential building, above set thresholds. the limit rises to 70 dB(A) on the same alternative-ambient basis. Both are measured at or outside the property boundary of the receiving residential parcel, which is exactly where a neighbor's HVAC condenser, pool pump or generator noise would be tested.

In a multifamily building, a code enforcement officer or sheriff's deputy may also measure sound levels from common areas or between units at the request of the owner or tenant in possession, taken at least four feet from the nearest wall, ceiling or floor with doors closed and windows in normal seasonal position. An enforcement officer keeps discretion under subsection (9)(d) to decline a citation even where the decibel threshold is technically crossed, if the noise would not disturb a person of reasonable sensitivity given the full circumstances.

Where this decibel rule conflicts with the general nuisance and enumerated-noise provisions in subsections (1) through (8), the decibel standard in subsection (9) controls. A property owner who believes compliance would be an unreasonable hardship, for a fixed piece of equipment like a compressor pad, may apply to the appeals board for a special variance through the planning and community development department.