Georgetown, KY Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Amplified sound in Georgetown is governed by Georgetown Code § 28-34(b)(1), part of Chapter 28, Article II (Noise). Section 28-33 states the article's purpose: preserving public health, safety and welfare by prohibiting excessive and disturbing noise.

The rule covers radios, television sets, musical instruments, phonographs, and similar devices, including motor vehicle sound equipment. It is a test of audibility, not a decibel reading. Operating or permitting the operation of any musical instrument, radio, television, phonograph, or other sound device is a noise disturbance when the sound is plainly audible in any one of four situations: from the source through the walls separating dwelling units within the same multifamily building; from the source to within a dwelling unit on another property; from the source within the right-of-way to within a dwelling unit; or from the source at a distance of 50 feet or greater.

There is no time-of-day window in this paragraph. The four tests apply at any hour, which separates it from the machinery and construction paragraph in (b)(3), which allows reasonable work noise from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Section 28-35 lists exempt noise. It includes governmental activities, activities lawfully held on government-owned property, special events permitted by the appropriate agency (the Festival of the Horse is the code's example), nonresidentially zoned property from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and commonly recognized holidays, and activities for which the office of the mayor has issued an exemption.

Under § 28-36, a violation is a criminal violation enforced by uniform citation by a police officer or citation officer. The penalty schedule is $50.00 for a first offense, $100.00 for a second offense within 12 months, and $200.00 for a third and subsequent offense within 12 months.