Gilbert, AZ Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential night
- 45 dB(A), 10 p.m.–5 a.m.
- Residential day
- 55 dB(A), 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Commercial night/day
- 55 / 65 dB(A)
- Industrial night/day
- 60 / 70 dB(A)
- Boundary rule
- Lower zone standard applies, § 42-61(e)(2)
- Civil fine
- $100–$500 per violation, § 42-65(a)(1)
Summary
Gilbert sets numeric noise ceilings by zone and time of day. Code of Gilbert § 42-61(e)(1) caps residential noise at 45 dB(A) overnight and 55 dB(A) by day, commercial areas at 55/65 dB(A), and industrial areas at 60/70 dB(A), measured inside the complainant's closed building.
(e)Allowable noise levels.(1)It is unlawful for any person to create any noise which would cause the noise level measured from the inside, with the windows and doors closed, of a complainant's residential dwelling, enclosed commercial building or suite, or enclosed industrial building or suite to exceed the following community noise standards for more than 15 minutes in commercial areas and industrial areas and for more than five minutes in residential areas: Zone Time Noise Standard Maximum dB(A) Residential area 10:00 p.m.—5:00 a.m. 45 5:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. 55 Commercial area 10:00 p.m.—5:00 a.m. 55 5:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. 65 Industrial area 10:00 p.m.—5:00 a.m. 60 5:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. 70 (2)If the measurement location is on a boundary between two zoning districts, the lower noise standard shall apply.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102).
Full Breakdown
Section 42-61(e)(1) makes it unlawful to create noise that causes the level measured from inside, with windows and doors closed, of a complainant's residential dwelling, enclosed commercial building or suite, or enclosed industrial building or suite to exceed the community noise standards for more than 15 minutes in commercial and industrial areas, or more than five minutes in residential areas. ; commercial limits at 55 dB(A) overnight and 65 dB(A) during the day; and industrial limits at 60 dB(A) overnight and 70 dB(A) during the day.
If a measurement is taken on a boundary between two zoning districts, § 42-61(e)(2) directs that the lower of the two applicable standards controls, giving residential neighbors next to commercial or industrial land the benefit of the stricter cap. Measurement itself follows § 42-61(d): an a-weighted sound level meter set to slow response, calibrated beforehand with an acoustical calibrator, with fast response permitted only for impulse or rapidly varying noise. "Commercial area" and "industrial area" are tied to specific Land Development Code zoning districts under § 42-61(b), for example, commercial areas include the Heritage Village Center, neighborhood office, general office, Gateway Village Center and Gateway Business Center districts, while industrial areas cover business park, light industrial and general industrial districts. 00 sanction per violation, and repeat offenders within 24 months face criminal misdemeanor prosecution.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the applicable decibel standard for the required duration is a civil violation punishable by a $100.00 to $500.00 sanction per violation under § 42-65(a)(1). A person found responsible for three or more civil violations within 24 months becomes a habitual offender subject to a criminal misdemeanor complaint, up to six months in jail, or a fine up to $2,500.00, with a mandatory minimum $500.00 fine per count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum noise level allowed in a Gilbert residential neighborhood at night?
How long must a noise exceed the limit before it's a violation?
Which standard applies on a boundary between two zoning districts?
What's the penalty for exceeding the community noise standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gilbert
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