Forsyth County, GA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 34-153(10) sets two flat thresholds for any source of sound entering a residentially zoned property or residential building. it rises to 70 dB(A) on the same ambient-plus-ten alternative. Both figures are measured at or outside the property line, and subsection (11) makes clear that if this numeric test conflicts with the article's general "loud, unnecessary or unusual noise" ban in § 34-152(b), the decibel standard controls. In multifamily buildings, a code enforcement officer or Sheriff's deputy may instead measure from common areas or neighboring units, holding a meter at least four feet from the nearest wall, ceiling or floor with doors closed and windows in normal position, when the owner or tenant requests it.

Subsection (10)(d) gives the officer discretion not to cite even a measured exceedance if the noise would not disturb a person of reasonable sensitivity given the whole situation. Daytime exemptions in (10)(e) cover school band practices and athletic contests, sanctioned county park activities, ordinary construction and landscaping work, church bells, First Amendment gatherings, and public transportation and refuse collection. Any citation issued under this subsection goes to the owner of the residential dwelling or property the noise came from, per subsection (12), and enforcement runs through the Sheriff's Office and Code Compliance, who cite violators into Forsyth County Magistrate Court.