Bradenton, FL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 38-155 of the City of Bradenton Sound Control Ordinance sets numeric limits for continuous sound, measured at the real property line from which the sound emanates. In areas zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, T-3, or residential PDPs, the limit is 65 dBA/dBC between 10:00 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 75 dBA/dBC at all other times. In all other zoning districts the limit is 75 dBA/dBC from 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. until midnight Friday, Saturday, and holidays, and 65 dBA/dBC at all other times. Within the area identified on the map printed in the section, the limit is 80 dBA/dBC during those same daytime and late-evening windows and 75 dBA/dBC at all other times.

Impulsive sound has its own cap in Section 38-155(c): 80 dBA at or beyond the real property line. The ordinance defines impulse sound as a single pressure peak or burst with a duration of less than one second, and an impulsive sound that results from the normal operation of an industrial or commercial facility and occurs more frequently than four times in any hour falls under that cap.

Measurement follows fixed rules. The meter operates on the "A" and "C" weighting scale and must be kept in calibration. The slow meter response is used, the reading is taken approximately five feet above ground, and the reading is the average sound level over a two-minute period. For an elevated or directional source, compliance is required at any elevation at or beyond the real property line. Traffic, aircraft, and other background sounds are not counted unless they interfere with the primary sound being measured. In a multi-dwelling-unit building, the real property line includes the vertical and horizontal boundaries of the dwelling unit.

A person can ask the city clerk for a temporary exemption by special permit under Section 38-156. The clerk decides a complete application within 15 days, and an application with no ruling by the fifteenth day is deemed granted.