Jackson, MS Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Chapter 54's noise article, enacted by Ord. No. 2006-68(6) in 2006, makes it unlawful under § 54-89(e) 'to emit or cause to be emitted any noise which leaves the premises on which it originates, crosses a property line, and enters onto any other premises in excess of the sound pressure levels' set out in Table A, and separately bars exceeding those limits on public premises such as streets, alleys and parks. Table A sets the ceiling at 55 dBA where the receiving property is residential and 57 dBA where it is commercial, measured 'at any point along the property line or within the property line of the receiving premises.' If the ambient sound level at the receiving property already equals or exceeds the Table A number, that ambient reading, not the table figure, becomes the maximum the source may not exceed.

The chief of police or an authorized representative measures compliance with 'a sound level meter of standard design' under §§ 54-88 and 54-89(a), and can seek a court warrant to inspect a property whose owner refuses entry. Section 54-89 also carries a due-process safeguard for expressive activity: if the alleged violation is protected speech, a picket line, or a nonviolent demonstration on a political, social or religious question, the person must first be given the chance to move, disperse, or otherwise fix the violation before any arrest or citation. The limits interact with a nighttime reduction and with 16 listed exemptions in § 54-90, including emergency vehicles, permitted outdoor events and construction under a building permit.