Tempe, AZ Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 20-4(1)
- Exemption condition
- Manufacturer specs, proper operating condition
- Fallback if not exempt
- General nuisance standard, § 20-11
- Repealed decibel rules
- §§ 20-5, 20-6 repealed by O2022.10 (3-3-22)
Summary
Tempe's noise chapter exempts properly functioning air-conditioning equipment from the city's noise regulations entirely. As long as a unit runs to manufacturer specifications and is in proper operating condition, it cannot be cited under Chapter 20, even if a neighbor finds it loud.
The following uses and activities shall be exempt from noise level regulations: (1)Air-conditioning equipment when it is functioning in accord with manufacturer's specifications and is in proper operating condition;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: City Code: Supplement 33 Update 4 | Zoning and Development Code: Supplement 11 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
General Code Sec. " This sits in Chapter 20, Noise, the same chapter that otherwise bars unnecessary or excessive noise, runs the loudspeaker permit program, and sets construction hours. Lawn maintenance equipment gets a parallel exemption in Sec. 20-4(2), but only when its mufflers and noise-reducing equipment are in use and working. The practical effect for HVAC is that Tempe Code Enforcement and the Police Department cannot issue a noise citation over a compressor or condenser unit's operating hum, rain gutter fan noise, or compressor cycling, provided the equipment is not malfunctioning, damaged, or missing standard noise-reducing components such as an intact housing or mounting pad.
A broken, poorly maintained, or modified unit that runs louder than the manufacturer's specification loses the exemption and falls back under the general "unnecessary noise" nuisance standard in Sec. 20-11, which weighs volume, time of day, and proximity to residential sleeping areas. The city's old numeric decibel limits and measurement methodology, formerly Secs. 20-5 and 20-6, were repealed by Ordinance No. 10 on March 3, 2022, leaving the exemption list and the general nuisance standard as the operative rules today.
Violations & Fines
Because compliant air-conditioning noise is exempt, there is no fine for normal HVAC operation. If equipment is malfunctioning or improperly maintained and a resident complains, the city can pursue it under the general Chapter 20 civil penalty in Sec. 20-15: not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, plus a $50 default penalty for failing to appear, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense under Sec. 20-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor's air conditioner ever be cited as too loud in Tempe?
Does Tempe have a decibel limit for mechanical equipment?
What happens if my broken AC unit is cited under Tempe's noise code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
Compare Tempe to another location·View the Arizona noise from specific sources overview
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