Amplified music rules in Birmingham, AL — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Birmingham City Code section 11-8-23(8) makes amplified sound, stereos, TVs and musical instruments a nuisance when plainly audible 50 feet from a building or 10 feet from a vehicle. Permitted special events under sec. 12-5-22 are exempt only between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Section 11-8-23(8) of the Birmingham City Code makes it a nuisance to operate any sound amplification system, television, musical instrument, radio, phonograph or similar device in a manner that annoys, disturbs, or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities residing or working in the area. Operation that is plainly audible 50 feet from a building (or within the nearest building if closer than 50 feet) is prima facie evidence of a violation; for sound from a motor vehicle the trigger distance is 10 feet, and that rule applies whether the vehicle is parked or moving on public or private property. Subsection 11-8-23(8)d exempts activities permitted under section 12-5-22 when conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. within 50 feet of a residentially zoned district. The article (sec. 11-8-25(4)) likewise exempts demonstrations, special events, races or runs permitted under section 12-5-22, provided they avoid excessive noise near noise-sensitive uses.
Charged as a nuisance in Birmingham Municipal Court. Under Birmingham City Code section 1-1-6, the general penalty is a fine up to $500 or imprisonment up to six months, or both.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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