Southaven, MS Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Amplified sound in the City of Southaven is handled by two separate subsections of § 10-122 in the Noise Control chapter (Title X, Chapter 2). Subsection (13) covers personal audio equipment outdoors on publicly owned property, including public parks. It is a distance test: noise from a radio, tape player, tape recorder, record player or television is unlawful when audible to a person of normal hearing sensitivity 100 feet from the device. Before any criminal complaint is filed under (13), a peace officer or other enforcing person must give a verbal or written notification of violation and a reasonable opportunity to correct it. Section 10-67 carves that warning out of the misdemeanor provision.

Subsection (14) covers music played by a live band or other instruments or devices using sound amplification equipment. The code prints no decibel figure or clock time there. The standard is whether the music unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of neighboring persons of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity. On a general noise complaint, § 10-121(b) lists what is weighed: proximity to residential sleeping facilities, the nature and zoning of the area, density of inhabitation, time of day or night, duration and musical content, whether the noise is continuous, recurrent or intermittent, and whether it is commercial or noncommercial.

Planned events have their own path. Section 10-93(2) exempts outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows and sporting and entertainment events conducted under a discretionary license or permit from the city. The chief of police can also grant a special condition permit for up to one year at a cost not exceeding $500 (§ 10-143). The application under § 10-144 must describe the premises, give dates and times, name the applicant, show facts that the activity would not disturb the peace, and designate a responsible person who is present at all times. Under § 10-145 the chief issues or denies within fifteen days of a completed, signed application and cannot permit "music" under § 10-122(14) Sunday through Thursday between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or Friday through Saturday between 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. A denial is appealed to the mayor and board of aldermen within ten days by notice to the city clerk. Section 10-146 lets the chief revoke a permit for misrepresentation, a disturbance of the peace, or other good cause.