Detroit City Code Chapter 31 establishes zone-based decibel limits. Residential: 55 dBA night / 65 dBA day. Commercial: 65 / 70 dBA. Industrial: 70 / 75 dBA. Measured at the receiving property line.
Detroit uses an objective decibel-based standard rather than a subjective plainly audible test alone. Police officers trained in ANSI Type 2 sound level meter use take readings at the complainant property line. Impulsive sounds (slamming, banging) are measured with a 5 dBA penalty added. Violations issue as civil infractions through the 36th District Court. Michigan Noise Pollution Act preemption does not apply because it was repealed; local rule controls.
Civil infractions range from $100 first offense to $500 repeat, per Detroit City Code Ch. 31.
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