Shelby County, TN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Shelby County Code Art. III, §§ 16-61-16-69
- Quiet hours for sound devices
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Maximum fine
- $50.00 per separate violation, per day
- Numeric decibel threshold
- None set in the county code
- Repeat-violation remedy
- Public nuisance abatement by injunction
- Election sound trucks exempt
- 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. on election day
Summary
Unincorporated Shelby County sets no decibel-meter reading anywhere in its noise law. County Code Article III instead bans any "unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise" and separately targets amplified sound played loud enough to disturb neighbors between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Violators face a fine up to $50.00 per day, and repeat offenders face nuisance abatement.
Sec. 16-61. - Loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises generally. The creating of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise is prohibited. Any noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual or in disturbance of the public peace and welfare is prohibited except as hereinafter provided. Sec. 16-63. - Playing of musical instrument or sound device. The playing of any radio, phonograph, or any musical instrument or sound device...particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any health care facility or in any dwelling or other type of residence, or of any person in the vicinity is hereby prohibited. Sec. 16-67. - Enforcement; fines. Violation of any section of this article is hereby declared to be unlawful and punishable by a fine not to exceed $50.00 for each separate violation. Each day that any violation of this article continues shall constitute a separate violation. Sec. 16-69. - Applicability. This article is not intended to prohibit engagement in any legitimate business activities so long as such activities do not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of surrounding residential and commercial areas.
Full Breakdown
Shelby County Code Article III (§§ 16-61 through 16-69) governs noise in the unincorporated county without printing a decibel number anywhere in the text. " Section 16-62 separately bars excessive noise on any street next to a school, church, or health care facility while in session, and Sections 16-64 and 16-65 cover noisy animals and noisy vehicles respectively. , and state-approved boat races. 00 for each separate violation," with each day of a continuing violation counted as its own separate offense. Section 16-68 lets the county treat repeated violations as a public nuisance subject to abatement through injunctive relief, a civil remedy on top of the fine. Section 16-69 clarifies the article does not stop legitimate business activity that does not unreasonably interfere with surrounding residential and commercial areas.
Violations & Fines
A single citation under §§ 16-61 through 16-65 tops out at a $50.00 fine, but Section 16-67 counts every day a violation continues as its own separate offense, so an unresolved noise complaint can generate several $50.00 fines within one week. Section 16-68 escalates repeated violations to a public nuisance the county can address through injunctive relief in court, a remedy available independent of, and in addition to, any fine already assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shelby County use a decibel meter to measure noise complaints?
What hours restrict loud music in unincorporated Shelby County?
How much is the fine for a Shelby County noise violation?
Are any noises exempt from Shelby County's noise law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview
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