Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exceeding 5 dB(A) above the community noise standard at the property line. Zoning buffers between industrial and residential districts help attenuate noise. The city's industrial areas are concentrated along the I-10 corridor and south Tempe.
Industrial noise in Tempe is regulated through Chapter 20 of the City Code. It is unlawful to create noise exceeding the applicable community noise standard by 5 dB(A) at the nearest property line or affected area without city manager authorization. The Zoning and Development Code establishes buffers between industrial districts and residential neighborhoods through landscaping, wall, and setback requirements. Tempe's industrial areas are primarily along the I-10 and Loop 101 corridors, with mixed-use development increasing in the Tempe Town Lake area. The city's transition from industrial to technology and office uses has reduced heavy industrial noise in many areas. Noise from HVAC equipment, loading docks, and outdoor operations at commercial facilities must comply with the noise ordinance. The Tempe Police Department handles active noise complaints while Code Compliance addresses ongoing issues.
Industrial noise exceeding 5 dB(A) above community standards at the property line may result in citations and orders to mitigate.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle industrial noise.
See how Tempe's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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