On March 3, 2025, The City of Decatur City Commission updated the noise ordinance after an extensive public engagement process. The updated noise ordinance will become effective July 1, 2025. This page will be updated with additional information as the effective date approaches.
Background on the Noise Ordinance
The updated noise ordinance simplifies previous decibel limits for noise within the City of Decatur: 65 dB(a) from 7:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m., and 60 dB(a) from 10 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.
The noise ordinance lists certain noises that may be considered "loud, disturbing and unnecessary" under the ordinance, including, but not limited to: Blowing horns, radios, televisions, musical instruments, animals, use of vehicles, exhaust discharge, loudspeakers or amplifiers, emergency signaling devices, landscape maintenance equipment, and generators.
The noise ordinance limits the use of certain noise-creating objects during specific hours:
- Landscape maintenance equipment, including leaf blowers, lawnmowers, weed trimmers or chainsaws, may not be used between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends.
- Loudspeakers, amplifiers and similar devices may not be used between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekdays unless an administrative permit for use has been issued for a gathering, public performance, or parade.
- Emergency signaling devices may not be intentionally used or tested between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Generators may not be tested or operated between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except in the case of a power outage.
Please note that noise-generating objects must abide by the decibel limits even during "allowed" hours. For example, a loudspeaker used at 2:00 p.m. must be limited to 65 decibels or lower.
Exemptions
There are certain groups and activities that are exempt from the noise ordinance. These include:
- Any vehicle or equipment of the city or a firm performing contracted work on behalf of the City while engaged in necessary public business.
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Excavations or repairs of bridges, streets or highways by or on behalf of the city, DeKalb County, or the state.
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Noise generated by parades, public assembly, concerts, athletic events, or other events that are sponsored by or have received permitted approval from the city during the hours for the event which have been approved by the city.
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Activities sponsored by or associated with a recognized institution of learning as part of the educational process.
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Noise resulting from any authorized emergency vehicles when responding to an emergency.
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Noise resulting from activities for which an administrative permit has been issued pursuant the terms of this ordinance.
While generally exempt from the noise ordinance, these groups are still obligated to limit excessive noise as much as possible.