Amplified music rules in Tuscaloosa, AL — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Tuscaloosa's noise code specifically names sound-amplifying equipment, radios, musical instruments and televisions in its residential noise limits (City Code Sec. 10.8-13). Amplified music in a residential district may not exceed the applicable decibel ceiling, lowered to 75 dB(A) day / 65 dB(A) night in 2018.
Amplified music is directly covered by Tuscaloosa's residential noise rule. Section 10.8-13 makes it unlawful to use, operate or permit the use of any 'device, radio, musical instrument, television, phonograph, drum, sound-amplifying equipment or device' that produces sound, stationary or mobile, exceeding the decibel limit at a property line within a residential district or on a bordering public street. Section 10.8-12 defines 'sound-amplifying equipment' as 'any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound or noise.' The originally codified limits were 80 dB(A) from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 75 dB(A) from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; on June 26, 2018 the City Council lowered them to 75 dB(A) day and 65 dB(A) night, a change Councilman Kip Tyner said was aimed at easier enforcement against house parties and businesses playing amplified music near homes. A separate cross-reference in the chapter points to the city's sound-truck and sound-amplifying-equipment rules at Section 13-2 et seq. Permitted events approved by the City Council are exempt under Section 10.8-14(b).
Amplified-music violations are cited under Section 10.8-13 and prosecuted in Tuscaloosa Municipal Court. Under Alabama Code Section 11-45-9, the penalty is a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months of imprisonment or hard labor.
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