Catoosa County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Section 9.05.01(A)(5) of the Unified Development Code singles out bass noise by name: it declares a nuisance all noises that may annoy or inhibit others in the reasonable enjoyment or use of their property, or any noise that is unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary, and then adds that any bass sound causing vibrations or rattling adjoining properties or homes is covered. That makes deep, low-frequency bass from a stereo, subwoofer or vehicle sound system its own named nuisance rather than something that has to be argued under the general disturbance standard, though the county has not set a decibel limit or measurement method; the test is whether the bass actually vibrates or rattles a neighboring property or home.

The following subsection, (A)(6), separately lists horn, siren and amplified-device noise as nuisances, showing the code treats vibration-level bass as distinct from those other sound sources. Enforcement runs through the Zoning Administrator, who can act on a resident's complaint, generally supported by a signed affidavit from at least three different households, or on his own motion. It is independently unlawful under subsection (B) to cause or allow the nuisance to continue, and the county issues a written notice to abate before any prosecution. An unresolved bass-noise nuisance goes to Catoosa County Magistrate Court, where conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00, and each day the vibration continues is a separate offense.