Ann Arbor, MI Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Ann Arbor, MI, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Weeknight curfew
- 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Sunday/holiday rule
- construction banned all day
- Daytime exemption limit
- 105 dB(A) at property line
- Liable parties
- contractors, foremen, developers, owners
- Governing section
- City Code § 9:363(5)
Summary
Ann Arbor bans construction, demolition, and excavation noise all day on Sundays and holidays and from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weeknights, with a daytime exemption capped at 105 dB(A).
(5)Construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling or excavation work at any time on Sunday or a legal holiday and between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday—Saturday, except as permitted by section 9:365(2). The persons to whom this subsection applies shall include, but not be limited to, construction managers, foremen, property owners, developers, contractors, and subcontractors who direct, order, require, authorize, or commission another person to perform these activities in a manner that violates this section. If the person is an entity, this subsection shall also apply to the officers, directors, partners, limited liability company members, or other individuals constituting such entity.(6)The operation or use between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any loudspeaker, sound amplifier, public address system or similar device used to amplify sounds.(7)The creation of a loud, unnecessary noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle or the opening and closing or destruction of bales, boxes, crates, or other containers.(8)The use of any drums, loud-speakers, musical devices or other instruments or devices for the purpose of attracting attention by the creation of noise to any performance, show or sale or display of merchandise.(9)A noise nuisance as defined in Chapter 107 (Animals) after 10:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. (Ord. No. 08-17, § 1, 6-2-08; Ord. No. 12-33, § 2, 12-3-12)
9:364. - Maximum permissible sound levels.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 9:363(5) prohibits construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling, or excavation work at any time on Sunday or a legal holiday, and between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, if the noise carries beyond the property line. Liability extends to construction managers, foremen, developers, contractors, and subcontractors who direct the work, not just the crew on site. A limited exemption in § 9:365(2) permits construction between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays) up to 105 dB(A) at the property line, plus residential work from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Violations & Fines
Violating the construction curfew under § 9:363(5) is a civil infraction: $50-$500 for a first offense, $100-$500 for a second within two years, and $200-$500 plus up to 240 hours community service after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can contractors run equipment on Sundays in Ann Arbor?
What's the loudest a construction crew can be during allowed hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
How Ann Arbor compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Ann Arbor to another location·View the Michigan noise ordinances overview
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