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Memphis noise ordinance: rules and who to call

Memphis regulates noise in Chapter 9-68 of the Memphis Code of Ordinances, "Noise Control." It is a short chapter with no decibel limits. Each section describes a kind of noise, and whether it breaks the law depends on how loud, disturbing and unnecessary it is.

The general rule

Section 9-68-1 prohibits "any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise within the limits of the city." It also bans any noise "of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual, or in disturbance of the public peace and welfare."

Music

Section 9-68-4(A) covers radios, stereos, musical instruments and other sound devices, including speakers and amplifiers. It bans playing them "in such manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose" of people in a home, hotel, office or hospital, or anyone in the vicinity. The late-night hours are singled out, but the rule applies at any time.

Other noise the code lists

• Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets, especially from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. At any time, it can't disturb people in a home or nearby (§ 9-68-5)
• Keeping an animal or bird that disturbs anyone nearby "by causing frequent or long continued noise" (§ 9-68-7)
• Loud and excessive noise from loading or unloading vehicles or opening crates and boxes (§ 9-68-10)
• Vehicles so out of repair or loaded that they make loud grating, grinding or rattling noise (§ 9-68-9)

Construction hours

Under § 9-68-6, building construction, demolition, alteration or repair, and street excavation, in a residential district is allowed only:

• 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays

The section does not list Sunday hours. Work outside these hours needs a permit from the chief building inspector. It is only for urgent health and safety reasons, and it lasts up to 30 days.

Exemptions

Section 9-68-13 lists exceptions. They include city vehicles on public business and emergency street and bridge repairs. Noncommercial public speeches are exempt, and so are election sound trucks during set hours before and on election days.

How to complain

The Memphis Police Department's communications page lists the non-emergency number as 901-545-2677 (545-COPS). Its list of non-emergency calls includes loud parties and barking dogs. Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.

Penalties

Chapter 9-68 has no penalty section of its own. The general penalty in § 1-24-1 applies when a code section doesn't set its own penalty. It is a fine of up to $50 for each violation. Each day is a separate offense (§ 1-24-1(A)). Under § 1-24-1(C), each code violation that draws a fine also carries an additional penalty of up to $200, which the judge can waive. Chapter 9-68 is not on the list of chapters with a higher minimum penalty.

Keeping a record

The Memphis rules turn on whether noise is unreasonably loud and disturbing. A record of when it happens, how long it lasts and how it affects you is what you can bring to police or a landlord. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report or complaint letter.

Sources

• Memphis Code Chapter 9-68, Noise Control (Municode)
• Memphis Code § 9-68-1, Loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises generally
• Memphis Code § 9-68-4, Playing of radios and phonographs
• Memphis Code § 9-68-6, Building operations
• Memphis Code § 9-68-7, Noisy animals and fowl
• Memphis Code Title 1, General Provisions (see § 1-24-1, General penalty)
• Memphis Police Department: Communications

Last checked October 17, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.