Marietta, GA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 10-6-030 of the Marietta Code makes it unlawful to operate any sound source, including a sound-making device, a domestic animal or human-produced sound, at a level that exceeds the limits in Table 1 measured at or within the real property line of the receiving property, using the sound meter's slow response setting. m. Residential, public space, institutional and noise-sensitive property (schools, hospitals, places of worship per § 10-6-020) is limited to 65 dBA by day and 60 dBA by night. Commercial or business property carries the identical 65/60 dBA split.

Industrial or manufacturing property gets a single, higher ceiling of 70 dBA that applies at all times, day or night, reflecting its different land use category. ' For impulsive sound, meaning a sound under one second with an abrupt onset and rapid decay, the code switches the meter to its fast response setting and raises the daytime limit by 10 dBA. The police chief, acting as noise control administrator under § 10-6-060, or a trained noise control officer under § 10-6-070, takes the property-line reading and can issue a citation returnable to the Municipal Court of Marietta.

A property owner who needs temporary relief can apply for a special administrative permit under § 10-6-090, capped at 30 days and no more than 60 days in any six-month period; amplified sound may never receive one.