Spring Hill, TN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Spring Hill, 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
- Rule
- Spring Hill Municipal Code § 11-402(A)(2)
- Sun to Thu hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Fri and Sat hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet is prima facie evidence
- Entertainment venues
- 95 dB(A) sustained over 30 seconds is unlawful
- Maximum fine
- Not exceeding $500, each day separate
Summary
In the City of Spring Hill, Tennessee, running a radio, band, amplifier or loudspeaker so it is plainly audible at 50 feet is prima facie evidence of a violation between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The rule is Spring Hill Municipal Code § 11-402(A)(2).
(2) Radio, phonographs, live bands, amplifiers, loudspeakers and the like. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio-receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, live band, amplifiers, loudspeakers or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are in the room, vehicle or chamber in which such live band, machine or device is operated and who are voluntary listeners thereto. The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, live band, machine or device between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7: 00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section;
Full Breakdown
Section 11-402(A)(2) has two tests. The first applies at any hour: playing or operating a radio-receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, live band, amplifiers, loudspeakers or other sound device so as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants, or at louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing by the voluntary listeners in the room, vehicle or chamber where it operates, is a violation. The second is a bright-line presumption: operation between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, or between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, in a manner plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which the device sits, is prima facie evidence of a violation.
Other amplified-sound rules sit nearby. Section 11-402(A)(3) bars broadcasting sound from a loudspeaker or amplifier upon the public streets for commercial advertising or to attract public attention to a building or structure, and item (13) bars using a drum or other noise device to attract attention to a performance, show or sale. Under subsection (C)(3), it is unlawful to sustain in an enclosed place of public entertainment, including a restaurant, bar, cafe, discotheque or dance hall, any amplitude equal to or in excess of 95 dB(A) sustained for more than 30 seconds.
Relief is available by permit. Under subsection (C)(6), an applicant can seek a permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals on a showing of undue hardship, and the Board can set conditions and a time limit. A public parade, street fair or similar activity sponsored and conducted by a public entity can apply to the Mayor or City Administrator, each authorized to issue a special permit.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $500, and each day the violation is committed or permitted to continue is a separate offense (§ 11-402(D)(1)). The judge can also order the guilty party to pay the reasonable rental expense of audio equipment and the operator's reasonable time where the city rented the equipment and employed the operator. Prosecution requires a written notice of intention to prosecute at least five calendar days before a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can music carry at night in Spring Hill?
Is daytime amplified music allowed?
Can I get a permit for a loud event?
Is there a decibel limit for bars and restaurants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spring Hill
Compare Spring Hill to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview
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