Noise from Specific Sources in Tennessee (2026)
23 rules on the books across Tennessee, 9 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Noise limits for air conditioners, heat pumps, pool equipment, and other mechanical systems, including decibel thresholds measured at the property line.
Murfreesboro
Some RestrictionsMurfreesboro doesn't single out air conditioners or heat pumps: continuous HVAC noise is governed by the same 'steady…
Read full rule →Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Rutherford County, outdoor HVAC equipment counts as a permitted yard obstruction under Section 1101…
Read full rule →Williamson County
Some RestrictionsContinuous mechanical noise, such as rooftop condensers, compressors and chillers on covered commercial, industrial or…
Read full rule →Bar & Nightclub Noise
Noise regulations specific to bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, including bass frequency limits, soundproofing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Chattanooga
Some RestrictionsChattanooga bars and nightclubs holding a Downtown Amplified Music District Permit follow a decibel table allowing up…
Read full rule →Franklin
Some RestrictionsFranklin, Tennessee bars yelling, shouting, or singing outside commercial businesses open between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Some RestrictionsMurfreesboro limits sound amplification at bars, cafes, dance clubs and concert venues to 65 dBC by day and 50 dBC at…
Read full rule →Nashville
Some RestrictionsDowntown bars and nightclubs are capped at 85 Db(A) measured 50 feet from the building during business hours, dropping…
Read full rule →Williamson County
Some RestrictionsBars, taverns and other Eating and Drinking Establishments in unincorporated Williamson County must keep amplified…
Read full rule →Car Alarm Limits
Maximum duration for car alarms before they must auto-silence, penalties for repeated false alarms, and vehicle towing authority for chronic alarm violations.
Generator Noise
Rules for portable and standby generators, including permitted operating hours, decibel limits, and restrictions during non-emergency use.
Franklin
Some RestrictionsFranklin treats continual use of a portable generator as regulated 'construction activity' under Sec. 12-1301(2)(d), so…
Read full rule →Hendersonville
Some RestrictionsHendersonville requires stationary engines and generators to exhaust through a muffler that prevents loud or explosive…
Read full rule →Knoxville
Some RestrictionsKnoxville bans unmuffled generator and stationary-engine exhaust noise citywide, requiring a muffler or equivalent…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Some RestrictionsMurfreesboro has no ordinance written specifically for generators: a running generator is a 'sound source' subject to…
Read full rule →Delivery Truck Noise
Time-of-day restrictions on commercial delivery trucks operating in residential zones, including back-up beepers, refrigeration units, and engine idling.
Franklin
Some RestrictionsFranklin, Tennessee confines noisy loading and unloading to daytime hours: Franklin Municipal Code § 11-404(3)(h) bans…
Read full rule →Hendersonville
Some RestrictionsHendersonville bans 'loud and excessive noise' created while loading or unloading a vehicle or breaking down bales…
Read full rule →Memphis
Some RestrictionsMemphis limits how loud trucks and buses can be anywhere in the city, on public or private property. Section 11-56-2…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Some RestrictionsLoading, unloading, or handling crates, containers, and garbage cans in a residential or noise-sensitive zone between…
Read full rule →Chattanooga
Light RestrictionsChattanooga City Code § 25-68(a)(10) declares loud, excessive noise from loading or unloading a vehicle, or from…
Read full rule →Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Special bass-frequency (≤125 Hz) sound limits for venues, including dB(C) measurement standards and how cities differentiate bass noise from baseline ambient.
Chattanooga
Some RestrictionsChattanooga bans car stereos audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle, and the code explicitly says that standard…
Read full rule →Franklin
Some RestrictionsFranklin, Tennessee bans playing a vehicle radio, tape, CD, or similar audio system loud enough to be heard 50 feet…
Read full rule →Knoxville
Some RestrictionsKnoxville limits car stereo and bass noise to what's audible 50 feet away, whether on public streets or from private…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Some RestrictionsMurfreesboro's noise code singles out "repetitive bass sounds" as plainly audible noise, and treats bass that's plainly…
Read full rule →Nashville
Some RestrictionsMetro Nashville's noise code defines "plainly audible" to expressly include bass reverberation, so a car stereo or…
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