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Knoxville, TN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Amplified music rules in Knoxville, TN, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.

Key Facts

Issuing office
Office of special events
Eligible days
Fri, Sat, or federal holiday
Hours allowed
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Annual cap
Two permits per premises per year

Summary

Knoxville requires a special noise permit from the office of special events for amplified sound that exceeds normal limits, restricted to Friday, Saturday or holidays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., and capped at two permits per premises per year.

Special noise permits shall be issued only for events occurring on Friday, Saturday or a federally recognized holiday, and shall be effective only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Special noise permits shall be limited to a single day, and no more than two (2) permits shall be issued to any premises in any twelve-month period, regardless of any change in ownership of the premises.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).

Full Breakdown

Amplified sound above Chapter 18's ordinary decibel standards isn't allowed by default: it requires a special noise permit under Section 18-9. The office of special events issues these only for events on a Friday, Saturday or federally recognized holiday, running no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than 10:00 p.m., limited to a single day per permit. Any one premises can get no more than two permits in a rolling twelve-month period, regardless of ownership changes. Even with a permit, sound still can't exceed the Section 18-3 limits by more than 10 dB(C), and applications must be filed at least three business days ahead.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance with permit conditions voids it and exposes the applicant to full Chapter 18 penalties: a fine up to $50, up to $500 in costs, and/or up to 30 days in jail (§§ 18-9(e), 1-9).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an amplified-sound permit for a weeknight party in Knoxville?
No. Section 18-9(b) limits special noise permits to Friday, Saturday, or a federally recognized holiday, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
How many amplified-sound permits can one property get per year?
No more than two in any twelve-month period, and that cap carries over even if the property changes owners, per Section 18-9(b).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knoxville

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSignificant RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Knoxville rules

Compare Knoxville to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview

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