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

15 governs new residential development proposed within 5 miles of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport boundary. It works on a three-tier scale of exterior day-night average sound levels. Up to 65 dBA, a site is acceptable and residential development can proceed under the normal rules. Between 65 and 75 dBA, a site is 'normally unacceptable,' which does not kill the project but forces the developer to produce a sound attenuation plan showing how the homes will be quieted. Above 75 dBA, the county treats the site as unacceptable and prohibits residentially zoned or used development outright; no attenuation plan can cure it.

15 imposes an occupancy bar: no residential dwelling may be occupied if its interior day-night average sound level is 50 dBA or higher. That is a distinct check at the finish line, so even a home built under an approved attenuation plan cannot be occupied if the interior still measures 50 dBA. The rule reaches forward, not backward: any existing legal residential lot of record that does not change use or zoning classification is exempt, so established homes near the airport are untouched unless their owners seek a rezoning or new use.