Shelby County, TN Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Shelby County, TN, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Fixed Curfew
- None in county code
- Governing Rule
- Sec. 16-61 (reasonableness)
- Night Roadwork
- Exempt, Sec. 16-66(2)
- Applies In
- Unincorporated county
- Penalty
- Fine up to $50/day
Summary
Shelby County Code Chapter 16, Article III sets no fixed construction-hours curfew for unincorporated Shelby County. Construction noise is governed by the general Sec. 16-61 ban on unreasonably loud, unnecessary noise, with a narrow exemption for nighttime public roadwork.
None of the terms or prohibitions of this article shall apply to or be enforced against: … (2) Excavations or repairs of bridges, streets, or highways by or on behalf of the city, county or state during the night, when the public welfare and convenience render it impossible or unreasonable to perform such work during the day.
Full Breakdown
Unlike many cities, unincorporated Shelby County has no clock-based construction start/stop times in its code. Loud construction activity is judged under the Sec. 16-61 reasonableness standard and the Sec. 16-63 nighttime amplified-sound provision (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.). Sec. 16-66(2) expressly exempts night excavation or repair of bridges, streets or highways done by or for the city, county or state 'when the public welfare and convenience render it impossible or unreasonable to perform such work during the day.' Sec. 16-69 confirms legitimate business activity is not prohibited if it does not unreasonably interfere with surrounding areas. Cities such as Memphis and Germantown impose their own construction-hour limits.
Violations & Fines
Construction noise that is unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary violates Sec. 16-61 and is punishable under Sec. 16-67 by a fine up to $50.00 per violation, each day counting as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction run in unincorporated Shelby County?
Can road crews work at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
How Shelby County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview
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