Newton County, GA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Newton 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
- Quiet hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Audibility threshold
- 75 feet from source
- Maximum penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 60 days jail
- Variance authority
- Board of Zoning Appeals
- Governing section
- Newton County Code §§ 36-106, 36-107(2)
Summary
In unincorporated Newton County, any noise audible more than 75 feet from its source that unreasonably disturbs a person's comfort or peace violates Sec. 36-106. Sec. 36-107(2) adds a nighttime rule: running a radio, phonograph or similar device between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. so it carries 75 feet from the building or vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual sound or noise which unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others in the county, and which is audible to a person of normal hearing ability more than 75 feet from the point of origin of this sound or noise. ... The operation of the set, instrument, phonograph machine or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 75 feet from the room, building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
Newton County Code § 36-106 makes it unlawful to make or continue any loud, unnecessary or unusual sound that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, once that sound carries more than 75 feet from its source. so that it is plainly audible 75 feet from the room, building, structure or vehicle where it plays creates prima facie evidence of a violation, meaning enforcement does not have to separately prove the sound was unreasonable during those hours.
Sec. 36-108 exempts county vehicles on public business, emergency responders, safety and warning signals, nighttime street repairs by the county or state when daytime work is impractical, noncommercial public-address use, and noise from manufacturing, governmental or commercial entities operating in the normal course of business. Anyone whose noise source cannot practically comply may apply to the Department of Development Services for a special variance from the board of zoning appeals under Sec. 36-110, which weighs the hardship of denial against the impact on neighbors and can set a time-limited permit with conditions.
Violations & Fines
Violating Article V carries a fine up to $1,000.00 and up to 60 days in jail, or both, under Sec. 36-109. Sheriff's deputies and code enforcement investigate complaints; the 75-foot, 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. threshold in Sec. 36-107(2) gives officers prima facie evidence without needing expert decibel testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Newton County's official quiet hours?
How is a noise violation measured in unincorporated Newton County?
Can I get an exception to the noise curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newton County
How Newton County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Newton County to another location·View the Georgia noise ordinances overview
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