Quiet hours in Knoxville, TN — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Knoxville regulates noise under Chapter 18 of the city code. The ordinance prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace and applies to all properties equally, including short-term rentals. Nighttime hours carry stricter enforcement.
Knoxville's noise ordinance (Chapter 18) establishes standards for acceptable noise levels in residential and commercial areas. Unreasonably loud sounds that disturb the peace of a neighborhood are prohibited at all times, with stricter enforcement during nighttime hours (typically 10 PM–7 AM). The ordinance covers amplified music, loud parties, mechanical equipment, and vehicle noise. There are no special noise rules for short-term rentals; the same noise ordinance applies to all properties.
Noise violations may result in citations and fines. Persistent violations can be escalated to misdemeanor charges.
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See how Knoxville's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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