Nashville, TN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Nashville, 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
- Standard outside DTC
- plainly audible at property line
- DTC/CF business-hours limit
- 85 Db(A) at 50 feet
- DTC/CF after-hours limit
- 70 Db(A) at 50 feet
- Live music in DTC/CF
- exempt from 85 Db(A) cap
- Enforcement
- MNPD, NDOT, Codes and Building Safety
Summary
Metro Nashville bans sound amplification equipment audible from a neighbor's property line, but downtown's DTC district follows numeric decibel limits instead.
Except for properties lying within an area zoned DTC district and properties zoned CF district that are contiguous to those zoned DTC district, it shall be unlawful for any person to:
1. Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds that are plainly audible from the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property. For multifamily structures, including apartments, condominiums, or other residential arrangements where boundary lines can not readily be determined, it shall be unlawful to operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds that are plainly audible from any point within the interior of another residential unit in the same complex or within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property. This subsection shall not apply to a special event, mass gathering or other permitted activity by the metropolitan government or its boards or commissions. This subsection shall not apply to educational institutions during typical on-campus activities, including athletic events, musical performances, and student festivals between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Further, the provisions of this section shall not apply to entertainment facilities constructed to provide outdoor entertainment owned by metropolitan government or its agencies and parks under the control of the board of parks and recreation.
2.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Outside Nashville's DTC district (and contiguous CF zones), Metro's § 9.20.010 makes it unlawful to operate sound amplification equipment, radios, speakers, musical instruments, so loud it's plainly audible from the boundary of the nearest residentially occupied property, or, in multifamily buildings, from inside another unit. Permitted special events, mass gatherings, and campus activities held 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. are exempt. Inside the DTC district and contiguous CF zones, the standard shifts to numbers: exterior-mounted speakers are generally banned, and interior speakers can't exceed 85 Db(A) during business hours or 70 Db(A) after hours, measured fifty feet from the building. This is Metro Nashville and Davidson County law; the six satellite cities (Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop) keep their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Playing amplified sound audible from a neighbor's property line breaks the rule regardless of the actual decibel level; the Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville DOT, and Codes and Building Safety enforce and can cite violators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downtown Nashville's noise rule different?
Can I play music outside at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview
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