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

Section 21-9 targets amplified sound used commercially: 'The installing, using or operating, within the City, of a loudspeaker or sound-amplifying equipment, for commercial purposes, in such a manner as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person is prohibited.' The section ties directly into § 21-6, stating that operating such equipment in a way that violates § 21-6's general disturbance standard is prima facie evidence of a § 21-9 violation as well, so a business does not need a decibel meter reading to be cited, just proof the sound disturbed someone within city limits.

This sits alongside two related Chapter 21 controls that also target commercial amplified sound: § 21-10 bars sound trucks with an amplifier or loudspeaker from driving on any street to sell or advertise before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and § 21-13 bars using a drum, bell, buzzer or similar noisemaking device to draw attention to a sale, show or other commercial purpose before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers and City-designated noise-control staff, equipped with calibrated sound level meters under § 21-5.C, investigate complaints and can act on any of these three sections depending on the equipment involved.