Bay County, MI Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

The Noise Control Ordinance sets a nighttime standard for household and street noise. Operating a radio, phonograph, musical instrument, or similar device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a way that's plainly audible fifty feet from the building, structure, or vehicle where it's playing is prima facie evidence of a violation (Bay County Code of Ordinances § 62.003(b)). Outside those hours, the same device is still unlawful if it disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents or plays louder than needed for the voluntary listeners in the room or vehicle where it sits.

Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on public streets is separately barred, particularly between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time it annoys or disturbs the repose of people in a nearby office, dwelling, hotel, or other residence (§ 62.003(d)). The same overnight window also covers loud loading and unloading of vehicles and the opening of boxes and crates (§ 62.003(h)) and the operation of pile drivers, steam shovels, pneumatic hammers, derricks, and similar equipment (§ 62.003(n)). All of it flows from the county's general findings that excessive, unusual noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a detriment to public health, comfort, and safety (§ 62.001).