Kalamazoo, MI Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 21-7.A makes any noise above the maximum decibel limits in § 21-7.B 'prima facie evidence of a violation' of the general noise prohibition in § 21-6. The table in § 21-7.B(1) sets three tiers measured at the property line: Residential/Special Purpose zones are capped at 50 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 45 dB(A) overnight; Commercial zones at 55 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) overnight; and Manufacturing zones at 75 dB(A) daytime and 70 dB(A) overnight. Section 21-7.B(2) adds enforcement rules: at a boundary between two zones, the lower of the two dB(A) limits applies; harmonic or pure tones and repetitive impulsive sounds violate the rule at five dB(A) below the listed limit; construction projects are held to the industrial-district limits for the duration of their permit; home or building repair and ground maintenance noise is excluded between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. provided it stays under 74 dB(A) at the property line or 50 feet; and railroad rights-of-way are treated as industrial districts regardless of the zoning of the abutting property.

Noise must be identifiable as coming from a specific source relative to ambient sound to count as a violation, with readings taken on calibrated sound meters.