Acworth, GA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Acworth, GA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 54-33
- Nighttime hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Audibility threshold
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- Daytime standard
- Disturbs neighbors' peace and quiet
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail (§ 1-11)
- Source
- Code 1983 § 13-29(2)
Summary
Acworth Code § 54-33 bans playing a radio, phonograph or other sound device loudly enough to disturb neighbors, and creates a presumption of violation if it's audible 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Cited under the general penalty at § 1-11, with each day a separate offense.
Using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person who is in the room, vehicle or chamber in which such machine or device is operated and who is a voluntary listener shall be a violation of this article. The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, 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 article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Acworth Code of Ordinances § 54-33, part of Article II (Noise Control) in Chapter 54, prohibits using, operating or permitting the use of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other sound-producing device in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants, or at any volume louder than necessary for convenient hearing by a voluntary listener inside the room, vehicle or chamber where it operates. 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 officers do not need to separately prove subjective annoyance during those hours once the 50-foot audibility threshold is met.
Outside those nighttime hours, an officer must still show the sound disturbed neighboring inhabitants' peace and quiet or exceeded what a voluntary listener needed to hear comfortably. The provision traces to Code 1983 § 13-29(2) and sits alongside companion Article II sections covering horns (§ 54-32), animal noise (§ 54-35) and vehicle exhaust (§ 54-37), all enforced the same way. 00, imprisonment up to six months, or city labor up to 60 days, with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate offense. Acworth police respond to residential noise complaints and can issue a citation returnable in Acworth Municipal Court based on the 50-foot audibility standard alone during nighttime hours.
Violations & Fines
Playing a radio, stereo or musical instrument loudly enough to disturb neighbors violates § 54-33 at any hour; between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., audibility at 50 feet from the source is prima facie proof of the violation. The general penalty at § 1-11 applies: up to $1,000 in fines or six months in jail, with each day charged as a separate offense, heard in Acworth Municipal Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music at night in Acworth?
Does Acworth's noise ordinance use a decibel meter?
Can I be cited for loud music during the day in Acworth?
What is the penalty for a noise citation under § 54-33?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Acworth
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