Roswell §8.8.3 sets numerical decibel caps that vary by receiving land use. Residential property limits are 70 dBA day / 60 dBA night; commercial and industrial zones have higher caps. Measurements are taken at the receiver's property line.
Roswell's 2024 ordinance overhaul replaced the previous 'plainly audible' standard with objective decibel thresholds. Residential caps are 70 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-11 p.m.) and 60 dBA nighttime (11 p.m.-7 a.m.). Commercial-receiver caps are higher to reflect ambient business-district noise floors, typically 75-80 dBA day and 65-70 dBA night. Industrial caps are higher still. The measurement protocol uses a calibrated Type 2 sound-level meter held at the receiver's property line, A-weighted, with one-minute averaging. Wind speed, distance from the source, and ambient correction are documented. Officers are trained in meter use, and the meter calibration record is required to support a citation.
Exceeding the §8.8.3 caps is a nuisance violation. First-offense citations carry civil fines; repeats escalate to Municipal Court prosecution with fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
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