Pima County, AZ Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Nuisance/annoyance test, not a fixed decibel number
- Radio/stereo limit
- Audible beyond 125 feet from property line
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for radios and vehicle repair
- Construction hours (summer)
- 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. residential zones
- Weekend/holiday construction
- 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. only
- Penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor, each day separate offense
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Pima County only
Summary
In unincorporated Pima County, the noise code bans excessive, unnecessary or offensive sound that disturbs a neighborhood or annoys a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, rather than setting a single decibel meter reading. Specific numeric limits apply to radios (125 feet), night hours and construction. Violations are a class 1 misdemeanor.
9.30.040 Impermissible sound levels. In addition to the prohibited noises described in 9.30.050, 9.30.060 and 9.30.070, it shall be unlawful for any person to make or continue, or cause or permit to be made or continued, any excessive, unnecessary or offensive noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
070. , a rule that applies equally to restaurants, bars, inns and resorts. , requires a functioning, unmodified muffler, and bans tire-squealing. m. m. start. The county administrator can issue a permit allowing different hours or noise levels after weighing hardship, traffic impact and neighborhood character, and may revoke it on substantiated complaint. 080 exempts properly maintained HVAC and landscaping equipment, nonamplified crowd noise at school and community events, emergency work, trains, church chimes, power plants, county vehicles, farm equipment and FAA-compliant aircraft. This chapter applies only inside unincorporated Pima County; it does not reach Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita or South Tucson, each of which enforces its own noise code.
Violations & Fines
Violating any part of Chapter 9.30, whether the general nuisance standard, the 125-foot radio rule, the nighttime vehicle-repair ban or unpermitted construction hours, is declared a public nuisance and a class 1 misdemeanor, Arizona's top misdemeanor tier (up to six months jail and a $2,500 fine). Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, so unresolved construction or party noise can generate a new charge daily until it stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pima County set a decibel limit for noise complaints?
How loud can I play music at home in unincorporated Pima County?
What construction hours does Pima County allow near homes?
What happens if I'm cited for a noise violation?
Does this noise code apply inside Tucson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona noise ordinances overview
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