Chandler, AZ Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Overlay areas
- ANO-1, ANO-2, ANO-3 and a clear zone overlay (CZO)
- Interior noise target
- 45 decibels maximum inside buildings
- Reduction, note 2
- 15 decibel noise level reduction
- Reduction, note 3
- 25 decibel noise level reduction
- ANO-3 contour
- Within the post-2005 70 Ldn and greater contour lines
- Certification
- Acoustical engineer or registered architect, before building permit
- Reviewers
- Building Official, Zoning Administrator and Airport Manager
Summary
Chandler sets no street-level decibel cap in these sections. Instead, the Airport Impact Overlay District around Chandler Municipal Airport and the Stellar Airpark requires buildings where people live, work or are received to reach a maximum interior level of 45 decibels, using a 15 or 25 decibel noise level reduction depending on the land use.
(3) Airport Noise Overlay-Three (ANO-3): The area within the post-2005 seventy (70) Ldn and greater noise contour lines developed by the application of day-night average sound level methodology of sound measurement (Ldn). [...] 2 The land use or activity is permitted; however, a noise level reduction (NLR) of fifteen (15) decibels must be incorporated into the design and construction of those buildings where people live, work, or are otherwise received, in order to achieve a maximum interior noise level of forty-five (45) decibels. 3 The land use or activity is permitted; however, a noise level reduction (NLR) of twenty-five (25) decibels must be incorporated into the design and construction of those buildings where people live, work, or are otherwise received, in order to achieve a maximum interior noise level of forty-five (45) decibels. 4 The land use or activity is permitted when the level of noise does not exceed forty-five (45) decibels within the principally permitted structure unless forty-five (45) decibels is exceeded by self-generated noise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79).
Full Breakdown
Chandler regulates decibels near its two airports through the Airport Impact Overlay District in Chapter 35 of the City Code, not through one citywide sound-meter cap. Section 35-3001 covers the Chandler Municipal Airport and the Stellar Airpark and creates three airport noise overlay areas (ANO-1, ANO-2 and ANO-3) plus one clear zone overlay (CZO). The highest-impact area, ANO-3, is the area within the post-2005 seventy (70) Ldn and greater noise contour lines, measured by the day-night average sound level method. Under § 35-3001(C) the overlays exist to separate levels of noise impact and accident potential so that acoustical performance standards can be matched to each area. When an overlay boundary splits a lot of record, § 35-3001(D) holds the development to the more restrictive district.
Section 35-3002 turns those contours into building standards. Uses allowed in an overlay are the uses allowed in the underlying zoning district, but they must also satisfy the noise attenuation matrix, and a land use category the matrix marks as not permitted stays prohibited. The matrix assigns numbered notes to each land use. Note 2 requires a noise level reduction of fifteen (15) decibels in buildings where people live, work or are otherwise received, so that the maximum interior noise level is forty-five (45) decibels. Note 3 raises the reduction to twenty-five (25) decibels for the same 45 decibel interior target. Note 4 sets a flat 45 decibel ceiling inside the principally permitted structure, unless the use itself generates more than that. Note 1 sends the developer to the Sound Transmission Control chapter of the 1979 edition. Single-family, duplex, multi-family and manufactured housing carry notes 1 and 2, indoor recreation and athletic clubs carry notes 1 and 3, and warehouses and food processing carry note 4.
Proof comes before the building permit. Section 35-3003 requires a certification from an acoustical engineer or registered architect that the materials and construction practices will achieve the matrix interior level, with enough data for the Building Official to verify it. Section 35-3004 adds an avigational easement and a release of the City from noise, dust and vibration claims, and § 35-3006 has the Zoning Administrator review every request and send a copy to the Airport Manager. Lawfully established buildings and uses are not forced to change under § 35-3002(B).
Violations & Fines
These overlay sections print no fine schedule for the matrix. The enforcement lever is the permit. Section 35-3003 states that false or inaccurate data renders a building permit null and void and can lead to nonissuance of an occupancy permit, and the City of Chandler and its officers are not liable for any permit issued on false information. A project that skips the engineer or architect certification cannot obtain a building permit in an ANO area, and a use the matrix marks as not permitted cannot be approved at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chandler have a decibel limit for neighborhood noise?
What is ANO-3 in Chandler?
Who certifies that a building meets the 45 decibel interior level?
Do existing buildings have to be retrofitted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chandler
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