Tucson, AZ Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Tucson Code § 16-31(a) sets a hard numeric ceiling: no person may conduct or permit any activity that produces sound beyond that person's property line exceeding the levels set in Table I, measured in dB(A). , and sets three use categories. Residential property is capped at 70 dB(A) daytime and 62 dB(A) overnight; commercial property at 72 dB(A) daytime and 65 dB(A) overnight; and industrial property at 85 dB(A) daytime and 70 dB(A) overnight. Where a property is mixed-use, the lower residential limits apply only to the portion of the property used solely for residential purposes, a commercial tenant can't hide behind a residential zoning designation next door.

The city manager can grant a written temporary exemption from these numeric limits, capped at 30 days, weighing hardship to the applicant against harm to nearby residents, the density of the area, and whether the type of sound is unusual for that location. Property owners whose noise-generating activity predates the ordinance and who want to keep operating above the limits can seek a variance from the board of adjustment by showing strict application would cause a hardship with no reasonable alternative. Table I is a floor, not a ceiling on enforcement: § 16-31(b) separately bans specific plainly-audible noises, amplified sound, loading/unloading noise, animal noise, shouting, and construction noise, even where a sound meter reading would technically pass. Owners, lessees, or occupants are treated as responsible for a violation if the actual violator can't be identified.