Clayton County, GA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Clayton County, GA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Nighttime window
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- Governing section
- Code § 62-3.3(2)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Clayton County
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or six months
Summary
In unincorporated Clayton County, playing a radio, stereo or other sound device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is plainly audible 50 feet away is prima facie evidence of a noise violation. There is no fixed county-wide decibel meter for homes.
The operation of any set, instrument, phonograph, recorder, compact disc player, or other machine, or device any day between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 104).
Full Breakdown
Clayton County's noise ordinance (Code § 62-3) uses a plain-audibility test rather than a decibel meter for most residential noise. Under § 62-3.2, any loud, unnecessary or unusual sound that disturbs a reasonable person and is audible 50 feet or more from its origin is unlawful at any hour. § 62-3.3(2) adds a nighttime rule: operating a radio, phonograph, tape/CD player or similar device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so it is plainly audible 50 feet away is prima facie evidence of a violation. Yelling, shouting and singing on public streets carry the same 11 p.m.–7 a.m. window. Cities like Jonesboro and Forest Park set their own hours.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Clayton County Police as a misdemeanor. Under Code § 1-12 (General Penalty), a violation is punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00 or six months imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clayton County set a decibel limit for home noise?
Do these hours apply inside Jonesboro or Forest Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clayton County
How Clayton County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Clayton County to another location·View the Georgia noise ordinances overview
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