Ann Arbor, MI Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Vehicle sound systems. Section 9:390, in Article III (General Provisions) of Chapter 119, Noise Control, says no person operating or in control of a parked or moving motor vehicle, including motorcycles and mopeds, shall operate or permit the operation of an electronically amplified sound system in or on the vehicle so as to produce sound clearly audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle. The text reaches a parked vehicle as well as a moving one. Its only exceptions are the ones in sections 9:365(3), 9:366 and 9:367.

Loudspeakers. Section 9:365(3) exempts, from the sound level limits of § 9:364, the operation or use for any noncommercial purpose of a loud-speaker, sound amplifier, public address system or similar device to amplify spoken words between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. For mechanical loud-speakers on or from motor vehicles the exemption applies only if the City Council has granted a specific permit. Council shall issue it when it finds that the applicant has a noncommercial message that cannot be effectively communicated by other available means, that the applicant will limit use to times, locations and sound levels that will not unreasonably disturb the public peace, and that the applicant will not use the equipment in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Events and concerts. Section 9:366(1)(d) exempts parades, concerts, festivals, fairs and similar activities from the § 9:364 limits, subject to any sound limits in the approval by the city. Paragraph (e) exempts athletic, musical or cultural events, including practices and rehearsals, conducted by or under the auspices of public or private schools and public or private colleges or universities. Section 9:367 lets the City Administrator grant a written temporary exemption, for no more than 30 days, stating the dB(A) levels authorized.

Night curfew. Under § 9:363, operating or playing a radio, television, phonograph, drum or musical instrument, or using a loudspeaker, sound amplifier or public address system, between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is unlawful when clearly audible beyond the property line, even if the level is at or below the § 9:364 figure.