Wayne County cities use decibel-based noise limits of 55 to 65 dBA in residential zones at night and 65 to 75 dBA during the day. Detroit, Dearborn, and Livonia follow this pattern at property lines.
Decibel limits in Wayne County are set by each municipality rather than the county. Detroit Code Chapter 36 establishes receiving-property standards of 65 dBA in residential districts from 7 AM to 10 PM and 55 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Commercial zones allow 70 dBA day and 60 dBA night. Industrial zones permit 75 dBA day and 65 dBA night. Dearborn Ordinance Chapter 13.5 and Livonia Code Chapter 8.24 use nearly identical tiered systems. Measurements must be taken at the complainants property line, not at the source, using a Type 2 sound level meter. Impulsive noise like hammering or gunshots subtracts 5 dBA from the allowed limit. Unincorporated townships rely on the Michigan state disorderly conduct statute MCL 750.474 since they lack dedicated decibel ordinances.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Wayne County's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.