Forsyth County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime test
- audible at 50 ft = violation
- Applies
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Daytime rule
- still banned if it disturbs neighbors
- Secondary basis
- residential dB caps under 34-153(9)
- Enforced by
- Sheriff's Office and Code Compliance
- Penalty
- up to $1,000 fine or 60 days jail
Summary
Forsyth County treats a stereo, subwoofer or musical instrument that's plainly audible 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as automatic evidence of a noise violation under Section 34-153(1), on top of a countywide ban on any device played loud enough to disturb neighbors' peace and comfort at any hour.
(1)Radios, phonographs, cassette and compact disc players, musical instruments. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated, of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is reasonably necessary for convenient hearing for the person who is in the room, vehicle or chamber in which this machine or device is operated and who is a voluntary listener thereto is prohibited. The operation of the set, instrument, phonograph, or other machine or device, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this paragraph.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).
Full Breakdown
Section 34-153(1) of the Code of Ordinances specifically targets radios, phonographs, CD players and musical instruments, the classic sources of a low-frequency bass complaint. The rule bars operating any such device 'in a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants,' and separately bars playing it louder than is reasonably necessary for a voluntary listener inside the room, vehicle or chamber where it's located, at any hour of the day. so that it is 'plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located' is prima facie evidence of a violation, meaning the county does not have to prove the noise was subjectively disturbing once the audibility distance is met.
test is built to catch. Where the property receiving the bass noise is zoned residential, the countywide decibel caps in Section 34-153(9), 60 dB(A) at night and 70 dB(A) by day, provide a second, independent basis for a citation, and that decibel standard controls if it conflicts with the general enumeration in subsection (1). Enforcement runs through the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and Code Compliance, and a certified sound-level-meter reading is admissible evidence in Magistrate Court.
Violations & Fines
Playing a stereo, subwoofer or instrument audible at 50 feet between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is prima facie proof of a violation of Section 34-153(1); daytime play loud enough to disturb neighbors is independently prohibited. Violations are misdemeanors, punishable up to $1,000.00, up to 60 days in jail, or both, absent a more specific penalty, with each day of continuing noise a separate citable offense in Magistrate Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is bass or loud music measured against Forsyth County's noise rule?
Can I be cited for loud music during the day in Forsyth County?
Does a car stereo with heavy bass count under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the Georgia noise from specific sources overview
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