Tucson City Code Chapter 16 sets maximum sound levels by zone and time of day: 62 dBA residential daytime, 52 dBA residential nighttime, 67 dBA commercial daytime, 62 dBA commercial nighttime, 72 dBA industrial daytime, and 67 dBA industrial nighttime. Measurements are taken at the receiving property line, not at the noise source.
Nighttime is defined as 10 PM to 7 AM. The ordinance uses A-weighted decibels with a slow response on a standard sound level meter. A 5 dBA penalty applies to noise containing pure tones, impulses, or steady hums that are more annoying than broadband sound. Enforcement officers from Pima DEQ and Tucson Police carry calibrated meters. Short-duration peaks above the limit for less than 10 percent of a measurement period are permitted unless the noise exceeds the limit by more than 10 dBA.
Civil fines range from 100 to 2,500 dollars per day depending on severity and zone. Repeat violations within 12 months trigger doubled penalties and potential use permit review for commercial operators.
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