Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime A-weighted limit
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m. weeknights
- Daytime A-weighted limit
- 60 dB(A)
- Nighttime C-weighted limit
- 3 dB(C) above ambient
- Applies
- Unincorporated borough only, § 8.52.030(A)
- Max fine per violation
- $500, § 8.52.025(B)
Summary
Amplified sound in the unincorporated Matanuska-Susitna Borough cannot push total A-weighted sound levels above 50 dB(A) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weeknights, or 60 dB(A) at any other time, measured at the receiving property line under Matanuska-Susitna Borough Code § 8.52.015(C). A second, C-weighted vibration standard tightens the nighttime limit even further.
No person shall operate or permit the operation or playing of any radio, stereo, television, phonograph, loudspeaker, speaker system, amplified drum, amplified musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar sound-amplifying device on a source property which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound in such a manner that it raises the total sound levels above the permissible sound limits set forth in Table 1 when measured at or within the boundary of the property of the receiving land. Table 1: Maximum Permissible Sound Level Limits Weeknights 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. 50 dB(A) All Other Times 60 dB(A)
Full Breakdown
Section 8.52.015(C) sets Table 1's A-weighted decibel caps for any radio, stereo, television, phonograph, loudspeaker, amplified drum or instrument, or similar sound-amplifying device: 50 dB(A) on weeknights between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 60 dB(A) at all other times, measured at or within the boundary of the receiving property. Subsection (D) adds Table 2's C-weighted limits, using the 'fast' response setting: no more than 3 dB(C) above ambient sound on weeknights from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday nights from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and no more than 5 dB(C) above ambient at other times.
Section 8.52.030(A) confines the whole chapter to areas of the borough outside the cities of Wasilla, Palmer, and Houston. Section 8.52.020 exempts sound used to alert people to an emergency, sound made during emergency work, sound from a properly permitted special event under Chapter 8.55, sound from a device inside a moving vehicle on a public right-of-way, and sound covered by a valid temporary noise permit issued under Chapter 8.55.
Violations & Fines
Every occurrence of a prohibited act is a separate infraction under § 8.52.025(A), and § 8.52.025(B) caps the fine at $500 per violation. The Chapter 1.45 fine schedule sets the amplified sound and vibration violation at $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the nighttime noise limit in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Does the daytime limit differ from the nighttime limit?
Are permitted special events exempt from the decibel limits?
Does the borough noise ordinance apply inside Wasilla or Palmer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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