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Fort Smith, AR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential daytime cap
60 dB(A)
Residential nighttime cap
55 dB(A)
Commercial daytime cap
75 dB(A)
Commercial nighttime cap
70 dB(A)
Measured at
Property boundary of the source

Summary

Fort Smith caps ambient noise by zone and time: 60 dB(A) day / 55 dB(A) night in residential areas, and 75 dB(A) day / 70 dB(A) night in commercial zones.

No person shall operate or cause to be operated...any identifiable source of sound...which exceeds the maximum noise levels as set forth in Table 1... Use Districts / Time / Max Noise Level — Residential, transitional and commercial-1 zones, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., 60 dB(A). Residential, transitional and commercial-1 zones, 11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m., 55 dB(A). Commercial zones, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., 75 dB(A). Commercial zones, 11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m., 70 dB(A).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 16-45(a)'s Table 1 sets the numeric ceiling for any identifiable noise source, measured with a calibrated sound level meter at the boundary of the property where it originates. Residential, transitional, and commercial-1 zones are held to 60 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and 55 dB(A) overnight; straight commercial zones get 75 dB(A) by day and 70 dB(A) at night. When a source's noise crosses into a stricter district, the more restrictive limit applies at that boundary (Sec. 16-45(b)). Complaints between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. can be filed by anyone; daytime complaints require the affected property owner or leaseholder.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the applicable zone's decibel ceiling is a misdemeanor under Sec. 1-9; readings are taken with a calibrated Type II sound level meter per Sec. 16-44.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can noise legally be in a Fort Smith residential neighborhood?
No more than 60 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., dropping to 55 dB(A) overnight, measured at the property line (Sec. 16-45(a)).
Are commercial zones allowed louder noise than residential zones?
Yes: 75 dB(A) by day and 70 dB(A) at night, versus 60/55 dB(A) in residential areas.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Fort Smith rules

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