Madison County, AL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Madison County, AL, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 75 db(A), 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Day limit
- 85 db(A), 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Measured at
- Property line or public right-of-way
- Enforcer
- Madison County Sheriff
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
- Effective date
- January 31, 2024
Summary
Unincorporated Madison County sets a nighttime noise curfew: any noise that disturbs the peace and exceeds 75 db(A) at the property line or on a public street between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is unlawful, tightening only to 85 db(A) during the day. The Noise Ordinance covers the county outside cities like Huntsville and Madison.
Making or causing any noise which disturbs the peace or quiet and which exceeds 85 db(A) during the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. or which exceeds 75 db(A) from 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. at any property line or upon any public street or right-of-way in Madison County.
Full Breakdown
, measured at any property line or on a public street or right-of-way. A against any unreasonably loud, disturbing noise, so a quieter but still disturbing sound can still violate the ordinance even under the numeric caps. The Commission adopted the curfew under authority from Act No. 2018-167, the 2018 constitutional amendment Madison County voters approved, with the current version effective January 31, 2024. , among others. Anyone planning to exceed the nighttime cap for an event can apply to the County Administrator for a noise permit at least 15 business days beforehand.
Complaints about after-hours noise go to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, which investigates and can initiate criminal process; the requirement applies equally to whoever creates the noise and whoever permits it from property under their control.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the nighttime curfew is a Class C misdemeanor under Section VII, punishable by a fine up to $500 per offense and up to three months in jail, or both, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense chargeable by the Sheriff's Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime decibel limit in unincorporated Madison County?
Does the curfew apply inside Huntsville or Madison?
Can I get a permit to make noise after 11 p.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison County
How Madison County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Madison County to another location·View the Alabama noise ordinances overview
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