Madison, AL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Loading noise test
- Audible past 25 feet
- Allowed hours
- 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Sat
- Sunday/holiday hours
- 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Equipment covered
- Dumpsters, sweepers, delivery trucks
- Citation
- Sec. 14-174
Summary
Loud loading, unloading and equipment operation (dumpsters, street sweepers, delivery trucks) that is audible more than 25 feet past the property line is a violation, except during 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sundays and holidays.
It shall also be a violation of this section to operate dumpster-moving equipment, street sweepers, delivery trucks, or similar equipment where such noise is audible more than twenty-five (25) feet from any property line of the property where the sound originates.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Section 14-174(a)–(b) bars loud, excessive noise from loading/unloading vehicles or dumpsters and from operating dumpster-moving equipment, street sweepers, delivery trucks or similar equipment where the noise is audible more than 25 feet from the property line. Subsection (c) exempts these commercial activities during 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Sat and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday and City-observed holidays. Outside those hours, or for other industrial noise, the general prohibition (14-172) and the 25-foot audibility standard apply. Madison sets no separate industrial decibel zone limits.
Violations & Fines
Minimum $100 first conviction, $250 second, $500 plus 24 hours jail third; each day of violation is charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a business do noisy loading in Madison?
Are there industrial decibel zones in Madison?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle decibel limits.