Dougherty County, GA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime limit
- 55 dB(A), 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Daytime limit
- 60 dB(A), 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Alternate test
- 10 dB(A) above ambient
- Measured
- At or outside property boundary
- Citation goes to
- Dwelling/property owner
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 60 days jail
Summary
Unincorporated Dougherty County caps noise entering a residential district at fifty-five dB(A) at night and sixty dB(A) during the day, or ten dB(A) above ambient, whichever is higher. These numeric ceilings, added by the county's 2025 Noise Ordinance, control whenever they conflict with the article's general nuisance language.
(9)Maximum sound levels in residential district. For purposes of this subsection, the limits below apply only to noise originating from and entering onto a residential district.a.Nighttime. Notwithstanding any provision in this article to the contrary, no person shall permit, operate or cause any source of sound to create a sound level in a residential district or within any residential building during the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in excess of fifty-five (55) dB(A) or ten (10) dB(A) above ambient levels (whichever is more), when measured at or outside the property boundary.b.Daytime. Notwithstanding any provision in this article to the contrary, no person shall permit, operate or cause any source of sound to create a sound level in a residential district or within any residential building during the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in excess of sixty (60) dB(A) or ten (10) dB(A) above ambient levels (whichever is more), when measured at or outside the property boundary.
Full Breakdown
Section 2-8-47(9) of Dougherty County's Noise Ordinance (Ordinance No. 25-041, effective August 18, 2025) sets numeric sound-level limits that apply only to noise originating from one source and entering a residential district. , no one may cause a sound level in a residential district or inside a residential building above fifty-five (55) dB(A), or ten (10) dB(A) above ambient levels, whichever is greater, measured at or outside the property boundary. , the ceiling rises to sixty (60) dB(A), or ten (10) dB(A) above ambient, whichever is greater, measured the same way.
In a multifamily structure, a code enforcement officer or Dougherty County Police Department or sheriff's office officer may measure sound from common areas or other units at the request of the owner or tenant in possession, taken at least four feet from the nearest wall, ceiling, or floor with doors closed and windows in their normal seasonal position. Section 2-8-47(10) makes these decibel standards control over the general nuisance language in paragraphs (1) through (8) whenever the two conflict, and Section 2-8-47(11) requires that any citation for a decibel violation be issued to the owner of the residential dwelling or property where the noise originated, not a tenant or visitor. Section 2-8-51 lets the county use a certified, calibrated sound level meter as evidence in court.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the residential decibel ceilings is punishable under the general penalty, Section 2-1-8: up to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense. An enforcement officer keeps discretion under Section 2-8-47(9)(d) not to cite a reading that technically exceeds the limit if the noise would not disturb a person of reasonable sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum noise level allowed in a Dougherty County neighborhood at night?
Does the daytime limit differ from the nighttime limit?
Who gets the citation if a tenant's stereo is too loud?
Can I dispute a decibel reading used against me in court?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dougherty County
Compare Dougherty County to another location·View the Georgia noise ordinances overview
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