Murfreesboro, TN Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Commercial-crew cutoff
- 8 p.m.-7 a.m., no exceptions
- Daytime cap, tools ≤5 HP
- 75 dBA at property line
- Daytime cap, tools >5 HP
- 80 dBA at property line
- Exempt
- construction and emergency work
Summary
Murfreesboro caps power-tool noise at 75-80 dBA during the day and bars commercial tree, landscaping, lawn-care and home-improvement crews from running any power equipment - leaf blowers included - in residential or noise-sensitive zones between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the use of any power tool or equipment shall be subject to the exterior sound level limits set forth in subsection (B), provided, however, no person engaged in any commercial tree maintenance, landscaping, lawn care, or home improvement service may utilize any power tool or equipment in a residential zone or noise-sensitive zone during such period.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 21-106(F) of the noise ordinance covers 'power tools and equipment,' a term the code defines to include blowing devices. Daytime use, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., is capped at 75 dBA for tools rated 5 HP or less and 80 dBA for larger equipment, measured at the property line or 50 feet, whichever is greater. After 8 p.m. and before 7 a.m., anyone engaged in commercial tree maintenance, landscaping, lawn care, or home-improvement service is barred outright from using power tools in a residential or noise-sensitive zone; homeowners doing their own yardwork instead fall under the general exterior sound limits. Construction work and emergency work are exempt from this section.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Noise Control Officers in Police or Building and Codes; penalties run under Murfreesboro City Code § 1-8, with each continuing half hour a separate offense under § 21-112(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run my own leaf blower after 8 p.m.?
What decibel limit applies during the day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
How Murfreesboro compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Murfreesboro to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.