Noise Ordinance Violation

The offense of exceeding a permitted noise level, or otherwise creating unreasonable noise, in violation of a local noise control ordinance, most commonly enforced against loud music or amplified sound, construction activity outside permitted hours, or a barking dog or car alarm, and typically punishable by a fine that escalates with a repeat violation. Most municipalities in the United States and many other countries set specific permissible decibel limits that vary by zoning designation and time of day, commonly a lower nighttime limit intended to protect residential sleep, and enforce the ordinance through a police or code enforcement officer using a sound level meter, or through a documented resident noise complaint. Noise ordinance violations are generally classified as a civil infraction or a low-level misdemeanor rather than a serious criminal offense, though a documented pattern of repeated violation at a single property, such as a bar or nightclub, can in some jurisdictions support the revocation of a business or liquor license.