Novi, MI Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

City Code § 22-96 defines a "noise disturbance" as any sound that disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities or is "plainly audible": detectable by unaided hearing 100 feet or more from the property line where it originates. The general prohibition in subsection (b) makes it unlawful to make, cause or allow any sound that creates a noise disturbance, at any hour. Subsection (c) then layers on time-specific rules: radios, televisions, electronic audio equipment and musical instruments may not create a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; commercial loudspeakers and PA systems on public roads or in public spaces are barred during those same hours; and yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets is prohibited overnight or whenever it causes a disturbance at any time.

Barking dogs and other animal noise are separately restricted if the sound crosses a residential boundary and lasts ten or more consecutive minutes, or is intermittent for thirty minutes or more. Subsection (d) carves out exceptions: lawn and yard equipment between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., snow blowers in good working order, the unamplified human voice outside nighttime yelling, emergency vehicles, and permitted parades or organized sports events. The director of community development may issue a special permit under subsection (e) if compliance would create an unreasonable hardship, so long as the relief will not injure surrounding properties.

Because § 22-96 does not set its own criminal penalty, the citywide default in § 1-11 applies: a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine, with each day of violation a separate offense.