Knoxville, TN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential daytime cap
- 65 dB(C)
- Residential overnight cap
- 60 dB(C)
- Commercial cap
- 75-80 dB(C)
- Industrial cap
- 80 dB(C) flat
- Measured at
- Property boundary, 5 ft up
Summary
Knoxville limits sound measured at the property line to 65 dB(C) for residential daytime, 60 dB(C) overnight, and 80 dB(C) for commercial and industrial uses under City Code § 18-3.
No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit sound from any source which, when measured from the real property boundary of the source of the sound, is in excess of the following standards:(1)Residential use.a.When the offending sound emanates from a residential use between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight, sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 65 dB(C), or impulsive sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 80 dB(C).b.When the offending sound emanates from a residential use between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 7:00 a.m., sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 60 dB(C), or impulsive sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 80 dB(C).(2)Commercial use.a.When the offending sound emanates from a commercial use between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight, sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 80 dB(C), or impulsive sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 80 dB(C).b.When the offending sound emanates from a commercial use between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 7:00 a.m., sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 75 dB(C), or impulsive sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 80 dB(C).(3)Industrial use. When the offending sound emanates from an industrial use, continuous or impulsive sound which has an C-weighted sound pressure level of 80 dB(C).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 18-3 sets numeric decibel ceilings measured at the real property boundary of the noise source. Residential uses are capped at 65 dB(C) from 7:00 a.m. to midnight and 60 dB(C) overnight; commercial uses at 80 dB(C) by day and 75 dB(C) overnight; and industrial uses at a flat 80 dB(C), continuous or impulsive, around the clock. Impulsive sound, a bang or crash under one second, like a backfire, is capped at 80 dB(C) in every zone. Readings are taken about five feet above grade with a slow meter response setting. The Office of Special Events can issue a permit letting an event exceed these caps by up to 10 dB(C) on a Friday, Saturday, or federal holiday.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Knoxville Police; § 18-3 violations carry the Code's general penalty: up to a $50 fine, $500 in administrative costs, and/or 30 days in jail per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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