Melbourne, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Beyond the overall A-weighted decibel ceilings, Sec. 26-25 sets octave-band sound pressure limits in Tables 3 and 4 that specifically constrain low-frequency bass energy, the range most associated with subwoofers and bass-heavy music. ) tightens the residential and noise-sensitive figure to 85 dB while dropping commercial to 89 dB. At the next band up, 63 Hz, the daytime limits fall to 72/75/78 dB and the nighttime limits to 72/72/75 dB for the same three categories, reflecting that these octave-band caps are set well above the general A-weighted numbers because low frequencies are perceived as quieter by the human ear even at higher sound pressure.

Sec. 26-25(d) adds a separate bass-relevant rule: "For any source of sound which emits a pure tone, the sound level limits set forth in Table 2 shall be reduced by five dB (A-wt)," which applies when a sound registers as a single dominant pitch, including a sustained low bass tone, under the pure-tone test defined in Sec. 26-23 comparing one-third octave bands. Compliance is confirmed with an ANSI-compliant sound level meter fitted with the correct octave-band filter set, calibrated per Sec. 26-26, at the property line of the source.