Brookhaven, GA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Short-term rentals get no separate noise standard in the City of Brookhaven. Section 27-629(3)(d)(3) says all short-term rentals shall be subject to nuisance and noise regulations pursuant to chapter 16 of the Code. The permit application adds a promise: item 9 asks for the owner's agreement to use best efforts to assure that occupants will not disrupt the neighborhood and will not interfere with neighbors' quiet enjoyment.

The chapter 16 rules that matter most to a rental are in § 16-152. Subsection (b)(3), party noise, makes it unlawful for any person in charge of a party or other social event on private property to allow it to produce noise plainly audible at or more than the specified distances from the building or structure, or beyond the property limits, whichever is farthest. Subsection (b)(1) applies the same test to stereos, amplifiers and other sound devices. Multi-family dwellings have a limit of 75 dBA in the daytime and 55 dBA at night, measured from the closest neighbor's dwelling under subsection (c). Under § 16-154(4), domesticated animals may not vocalize for more than ten minutes without interruption or more than 30 minutes if intermittent. Sound is measured by police officers trained on a sound level meter.

Penalties escalate under § 16-157. A first conviction carries a fine of not less than $200.00 and a total that does not exceed $1,000.00. A second conviction within 12 months carries not less than $500.00. A third within 24 months carries $1,000.00.

For a host the consequences reach the permit. Under § 27-629(3)(e)(2), the City manager or designee searches the records for two or more citations or violations of the City Ordinance in the preceding 24 months, and if the search finds them the permit may not be renewed. Permits are renewed annually.