Huntsville, AL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Huntsville, AL, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Daytime residential limit
- 55 dB(A), 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Nighttime residential limit
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Amplified sound curfew
- Inaudible at property line, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Enforcement
- Municipal court citation
Summary
Huntsville cuts the allowed residential noise limit from 55 to 50 dB(A) between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and bars audible amplified sound at residential property lines during those hours.
Residential, public space open space, agricultural, institutional property: 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. = 55 dB(A); 10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. = 50 dB(A)... No person shall operate, cause to be operated, or generate any source of sound which is electronically amplified... such that the audible sound is discernible by the human ear at or within the property boundary of any adjoining or nearby residential premises between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 12-265, residential, open-space, agricultural and institutional properties are capped at 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., dropping to 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Separately, electronically amplified sound may not be discernible by ear at a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., with a carve-out for the arts and entertainment district on weekend nights and New Year's. Construction equipment, domestic power equipment, recreational activity and refuse trucks all get tighter limits or are barred from exceeding the nighttime cap during those same hours.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the noise control officer or any sworn peace officer under Sec. 12-263; violators are summoned to municipal court to answer the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Huntsville's quiet hours?
Does the nighttime limit apply to construction noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntsville
How Huntsville compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Huntsville to another location·View the Alabama noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle quiet hours.