Franklin, TN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Events (2026)

Franklin layers two ordinance frameworks on amplified sound. First, the general Title 11, Ch. 4 (Sec. 11-402 / 11-403) prohibits any noise - including amplified music and live bands - that 'annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others,' and the City publicly applies a stricter reasonableness test between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Second, the Title 16 (Streets, Sidewalks, and Other Public Property), Chapter 5 'Public Gathering and Expression Event' ordinance (adopted/amended by the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen and tied to the City's Special Events Committee process) regulates amplified sound at events held on City property and in the public right-of-way. Under that framework: (a) a Public Gathering and Expression Event Permit is required for events with amplification OR for events with more than 20 participants OR for events that recur more than once per month at the same location; (b) amplification is allowed only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily; (c) amplified sound must not be heard beyond 50 feet from the amplification device; and (d) NO permits shall be granted within the downtown historic district on weekend evenings and early mornings - specifically Friday 5:00 p.m. through Saturday 7:00 a.m., and Saturday 5:00 p.m. through Sunday 7:00 a.m. The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen amended this ordinance 7-1 in early 2023 after Mayor Pro Tem Brandy Blanton successfully moved to change the proposed 6:00 a.m. start time to 9:00 a.m. Permit applications go through the City's Public Outreach Specialist (615.550.6606) and the Special Events Committee comprised of representatives from each City Department. Carnton Plantation, Harlinsdale Farm, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, and city-managed downtown spaces (Public Square, Five Points area, Main Street block parties tied to events like the Main Street Festival run by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County) all fall under the same permit framework. Indoor and on-private-property amplified music is regulated only by Sec. 11-402's 'unnecessary noise' standard - there is no separate licensed-premises decibel cap.