Fort Smith, AR Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Fort Smith, AR, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Audibility test
- 150+ feet, plainly audible
- Daytime rule
- Zone decibel limits apply (§ 16-45)
- Exempt
- Permitted special events, religious bells
Summary
Amplified music or sound equipment that's plainly audible 150 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is automatically deemed an unlawful noise disturbance in Fort Smith.
For the purpose of this section, the use of an amplification device, radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound shall be deemed annoying or disturbing to a person, reasonably calculated to disturb the peace and unreasonably offensive and injurious to the public, if the sound is produced between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and is plainly audible a distance of 150 feet or more from the source of the sound. (Code 1992, § 16-42; Ord. No. 92-09, 10-6-2009)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 16-42(c), using an amplification device, radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, or similar device that reproduces or amplifies sound is deemed unreasonable and a noise disturbance if it happens between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and is plainly audible 150 feet or more from the source, no decibel meter is needed once that distance-and-time test is met. Outside those hours, amplified sound is instead judged under the zone-based decibel limits in § 16-45's Table 1. Exemptions apply to permitted special events, athletic and school events, religious bells and chimes, and the central business improvement district.
Violations & Fines
Amplified sound plainly audible 150+ feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a noise disturbance misdemeanor under § 16-43, punishable per § 1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can music be at night in Fort Smith?
Are block parties or festivals exempt from this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
Compare Fort Smith to another location·View the Arkansas noise ordinances overview
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