Farmington Hills, MI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 17-101 of the performance standards chapter caps outdoor noise using an A-weighted decibel scale (dB(A)) measured at any point on property adjacent to the source, with sound meters calibrated to ANSI specifications. Table A sets three tiers. Residential districts (RA, RP, RC, SP, MH) may not exceed 60 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 55 dB(A) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 50 dB(A) overnight from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Business and office districts (OS, B, ES, P) are capped at 65 dB(A) during the day and 50 dB(A) overnight (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Fully industrial areas (IRO, LI-1) where every adjacent property is also industrial or business may run up to 70 dB(A) at any time, but that ceiling drops to 60 dB(A) anytime if any neighboring property is residential.

The ordinance layers exceptions on top of the numeric table. Where background noise already exceeds the table's limit, a new operation is judged against that higher background level rather than the table figure. Intermittent or pure-tone sounds can still violate the section even under the decibel cap if they are found unreasonably loud, weighing proximity to sleeping areas, use type, time of day and duration. Construction work, emergency work including snow removal, warning sirens, lawn care between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., school athletic events, church bells and public works projects are exempt outright. A property owner who needs relief beyond the table can apply to the zoning board of appeals, sitting as an administrative review board, for a special exception supported by a sound study; the board can hire a consulting acoustical engineer at the applicant's expense. Violations are municipal civil infractions under Section 17-107.