Macon-Bibb County, GA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Macon-Bibb County, GA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Musical instruments/audio devices
- Barred if disturbing, any hour (Sec. 15-26(b)(2))
- Music school exception
- 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- Public-place loudspeakers
- Barred before 7am/after 10pm, Sec. 15-26(e)
- Vehicle-mounted loudspeakers
- Allowed only 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
- Permit exemption
- Written Sheriff permit for parades/performances
- Maximum general penalty fine
- $1,000 (Sec. 1-6)
Summary
Playing a radio, TV, audio device or musical instrument loud enough to disturb others' quiet or comfort is a code violation in Macon-Bibb County at any hour, with a carve-out for music schools between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Loudspeakers and sound trucks on public streets are barred outright before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
(2)Musical instruments. The playing of any radio, television, or other audio device or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume, as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, hospital or in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence, or any persons in the vicinity, except this section shall not apply to schools of music between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Comprehensive Land Development Resolution: Supplement 4 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 15-26(b)(2) of the general County Code, "Musical instruments," prohibits playing any radio, television, or other audio device or musical instrument in a manner or at a volume that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, hospital, dwelling, hotel, other residence, or in the vicinity, at any time of day. m. Separately, Sec. , with an exemption for federal, state and County government use. Sec. m. All of this sits under the umbrella prohibition in Sec. m. m. Friday and Saturday nights, any regulated noise audible in another closed-window home is automatically a violation. Amplified sound during a permitted parade, celebration or performance authorized in writing by the Macon-Bibb County Sheriff is exempted under Sec. 15-26(d).
Violations & Fines
Amplified-noise offenses aren't listed on the Chapter 15 fine schedule (Sec. 15-22/15-23), so Sec. 1-6's general penalty applies: a fine up to $1,000, work on the streets or public works up to 60 days, or imprisonment up to 180 days, any or all at the judge's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified music outside in Macon-Bibb County at any hour?
Are sound trucks or loudspeakers allowed on Macon-Bibb streets?
Is there an exception for parades or public performances?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Macon-Bibb County
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