Noise ordinances › Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor noise ordinance: quiet hours, limits and complaints

Last updated: October 30, 2026

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Quiet hours in Ann Arbor

From 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., these activities are violations if they produce clearly audible sound beyond the property line of the property where they are conducted, even when the sound is at or under the Table I decibel limits (9:363): operating power tools or equipment (1); operating any device for killing, trapping, attracting or repelling insects or other pests (2); sounding any bell, chime, siren, whistle or similar device, except to alert people to an emergency, danger or attempted crime or as allowed for noncommercial bells and chimes by 9:365(5) (3); operating or playing any radio, television, phonograph, drum or musical instrument (4); operating or using any loudspeaker, sound amplifier, public address system or similar device used to amplify sounds (6); and an animal noise nuisance as defined in Chapter 107 (Animals) (9). Construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling or excavation work that is clearly audible beyond the property line is barred from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday and at any time on a Sunday or legal holiday, except as permitted by 9:365(2), which also lets a person do such work at their residence from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays (9:363(5), 9:365(2)). The legal holidays are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Veterans' Day and Christmas Day (9:361(3)). The decibel table uses 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as day and 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. as night (9:364). With no time band: loud, unnecessary noise from loading or unloading a vehicle or opening, closing or destroying bales, boxes, crates or other containers, and using drums, loudspeakers or other devices to attract attention to a performance, show or sale (9:363(7), (8)), the general prohibition of 9:362, and vehicle sound systems clearly audible more than 50 feet away (9:390). In the Downtown District, solid waste collection is exempt from 9:363 in any location after 6:00 a.m. and before 10:00 p.m., and in alleys from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. and from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. if approved in advance and in writing (9:366(2)(d)). Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned from June 1 to September 30 each year and at all times beginning January 1, 2028 (6:702).

Decibel limits

Yes. Table I in 9:364 bars any activity that produces a dB(A) beyond the property line exceeding these levels, set by the use of the property receiving the sound: Residential, 61 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 55 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.; Commercial, 71 dB(A) and 61 dB(A). Where property is used for both residential and commercial purposes, the residential levels apply only to measurements made on the part used solely for residential purposes. dB(A) means decibels read from a calibrated sound level meter on the A-level weighting scale and fast meter response, as specified in ANSI standard S 1.4-1971 (9:361(1)); the property line includes the legal limits of an apartment, condominium, room or other dwelling unit, and for sound from an activity on a public street or other public right-of-way it is the nearest boundary of the right-of-way (9:361(4)). Limited activities exempt from Table I, with their own caps beyond the property line (9:365): power equipment from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., up to 90 dB(A); construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling, wood cutting or excavation from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, except legal holidays, up to 105 dB(A); pest devices from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., up to 83 dB(A); and playing or practicing one musical instrument without electric amplification from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for not more than 1 hour a day, up to 67 dB(A). Vehicles on a highway or street, measured at 50 feet (9:379(1)): 8,500 pounds or more, 90 dB(A) where the maximum lawful speed is over 35 miles per hour and 86 dB(A) at 35 or less, 88 dB(A) on a stationary run-up test; motorcycles and mopeds, 86 and 82 dB(A), 95 dB(A) on a stationary run-up test at 75 inches; other vehicles, 82 and 76 dB(A), 95 dB(A) on a stationary run-up test 20 inches from the end of the tailpipe. A dealer may not sell a new vehicle manufactured after April 1, 1978 that exceeds 83 dB(A) (8,500 pounds or more, and motorcycles or mopeds) or 80 dB(A) (other vehicles) (9:379(2)); vehicle tests follow SAE and ANSI standards and the state's rules (9:380). Rules with no meter: the general prohibition on any unreasonably loud, disturbing, unusual or unnecessary noise that annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers others (9:362); the night, construction, loading and advertising rules of 9:363, which turn on clearly audible sound beyond the property line; and vehicle sound systems, in a parked or moving vehicle, clearly audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle (9:390).

What the ordinance actually says

§ 9:362: "It shall be unlawful for any person to create, assist in creating, permit, continue or permit the continuance of any unreasonably loud, disturbing, unusual or unnecessary noise which annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the limits of the City of Ann Arbor."

§ 9:363(4): "No person shall engage in, assist in, permit, continue or permit the continuance of the following activities if the activity produces clearly audible sound beyond the property line of the property on which it is conducted even if the sound level is equal to or less than the dB(A) specified in section 9:364:" / "The operation or playing between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any radio, television, phonograph, drum or musical instrument."

§ 9:364: "No person shall conduct or permit any activity that produces a dB(A) beyond his property line exceeding the levels specified in Table I. Where property is used for both residential and commercial purposes, the residential sound levels shall be used only for measurements made on the portion of the property used solely for residential purposes."

§ 9:361(4): "Property line means the imaginary line which represents the legal limits of property (including an apartment, condominium, room, or other dwelling unit) owned, leased, or otherwise occupied by a person, business, corporation or institution."

§ 9:365(2): "Construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling, wood cutting or excavation work conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, which does not produce a sound level exceeding 105 dB(A) beyond the property line of the property on which the work is being conducted. Also, a person may engage in such activities at his residence between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays."

§ 9:390: "No person operating or in control of a parked or moving motor vehicle (including motorcycles and mopeds) shall operate, or permit the operation of, an electronically amplified sound system in or on the vehicle so as to produce sound that is clearly audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle, except as permitted under sections 9:365(3), 9:366, and 9:367."

§ 9:370: "Except as provided in section 9:369, an activity which violates this article shall be punishable by a fine of $50.00 to $500.00 plus costs. For a second offense within a 2-year period, the fine shall be $100.00 to $500.00 plus costs. For third and subsequent offenses within a 2-year period, the penalty shall be $200.00 to $500.00 plus costs and/or, in the discretion of the court, up to 240 hours community service."

§ 6:702(1): "Summer ban. The use of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited in the city from June 1 to September 30. Electric leaf blowers may be used during this time."

Quoted verbatim from the official codified text (Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances, Chapter 119 (Noise Control): Article I (Non-Vehicular Noise), 9:360 Applicability, 9:361 Definitions (Ord. No. 12-33, § 1, 12-3-12), 9:362 General prohibition, 9:363 Specific prohibitions (Ord. No. 08-17, § 1, 6-2-08; Ord. No. 12-33, § 2, 12-3-12), 9:364 Maximum permissible sound levels (Table I), 9:365 Limited exemptions, 9:366 General exemptions (Ord. No. 46-99, § 1, 11-15-99; Ord. No. 18-14, § 1, 5-21-18; Ord. No. 18-09, § 12, 7-16-18), 9:367 Temporary exemptions, 9:368 Variances, 9:369 Liability of owner, lessee, or occupant (Ord. No. 56-88, § 1, 12-5-88; Ord. No. 61-91, § 1, 10-21-91), 9:370 Penalty (Ord. No. 56-88, § 2, 12-5-88; Ord. No. 61-91, § 2, 10-21-91); Article II (Vehicular Noise), 9:375 to 9:381 (horns, mufflers, vehicle noise limits, test procedures, penalties); Article III (General Provisions), 9:390 Operation of electronically amplified sound system in motor vehicles (Ord. No. 26-90, § 1, 9-17-90). Also Title VI (Food and Health), Chapter 75 (Leaf Blowers), 6:700 to 6:705 (Ord. No. 23-35, § 1, 12-18-23; 6:701, 6:703 and 6:704 amended by Ord. No. 24-18, § 1, 9-16-24), and Chapter 73 (Two-Cycle Power Equipment), 6:611 to 6:615 (Ord. No. 19-08, § 1, 4-1-19). Sections with no history line print none. Text read on Municode, the City's code host, Supplement 26, online content updated September 28, 2026.). Verified against the live code on 2026-10-30. Ordinances get amended — before acting on a specific provision, check the linked official code. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.

How to file a noise complaint in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor takes noise complaints by phone: call non-emergency police dispatch at 734.994.2911 while the noise is happening, so an officer may be sent to the location (Ann Arbor Police, How Do I page). That page also gives the same number for Washtenaw Metro Dispatch, lists the AAPD front desk, for general information, at 734.794.6920, says "If this is an emergency, call 911.", and lists the noise item as "Report noise ordinance violation? Call non-emergency police dispatch when the violation is occurring" followed by that number. The City's A2 Fix It page, under its Noise heading, says "Noise complaints within the City must be reported by calling the non-emergency dispatch number at 734.994.2911" and "Please call 9-1-1 for police/fire assistance, crimes in progress or life threatening emergencies." For gas leaf blowers, the City's Gas Leaf Blower Phase-Out page says to "report it to the Ann Arbor Police Department Community Standards at 734.794.6942". Penalties in the code: an Article I violation is punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 plus costs, $100 to $500 plus costs for a second offense within 2 years, and $200 to $500 plus costs and/or, at the court's discretion, up to 240 hours of community service for a third or later offense within 2 years (9:370); where the person responsible cannot be determined, the owner, lessee or occupant of the property is responsible for a civil infraction with the same fine steps (9:369). A leaf blower violation is a civil infraction with a civil fine of not less than $100 plus costs for a first offense and not less than $250 plus costs for a later one, which may be assessed against the individual or the employer that permits or directs the violation (6:705). Sources: https://a2gov.org/police-department/how-do-i and https://www.a2gov.org/services/report-a-problem-a2-fix-it/ and https://www.a2gov.org/sustainability-innovations-home/sustainability-me/for-businesses/gas-leaf-blower-phase-out/.

Step by step, with what to log and what to expect after you file: how to file a noise complaint in Ann Arbor. For the general playbook — documenting the problem, talking to a landlord or HOA, when 311 beats 911 — see the noise complaints guide.

Worth knowing

(1) Two tests run side by side. Table I is a meter test (9:364), but the night, construction, loading and advertising rules of 9:363 apply whenever the sound is clearly audible beyond the property line, "even if the sound level is equal to or less than" the Table I level. Because the property line includes an apartment, condominium, room or other dwelling unit, both reach sound crossing into a neighbor's unit (9:361(4)). (2) Construction rules reach those who direct the work: construction managers, foremen, property owners, developers, contractors and subcontractors who direct, order, require, authorize or commission it, and, for an entity, its officers, directors, partners, limited liability company members or others who make it up (9:363(5)). In the daytime window construction may reach 105 dB(A) beyond the property line (9:365(2)). (3) School and university events, meaning athletic, musical or cultural activities or events, including practices and rehearsals, conducted by or under the auspices of public or private schools, colleges or universities, are exempt from the Table I limits (9:366(1)(e)); the separate list of exemptions from 9:363 in 9:366(2) does not include them. Also exempt from Table I: emergency work, alarm sounds, activities of governmental units, parades, concerts, festivals, fairs or similar activities subject to any sound limits in the City's approval, and snow removal equipment (9:366(1)). Government work is exempt from 9:363 only when approved in advance and in writing by both the department head or agency director and the Administrator (9:366(2)(a)). (4) Other limited exemptions from Table I (9:365): noncommercial loudspeakers amplifying spoken words from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., where loudspeakers on or from motor vehicles need a City Council permit, which the Council must issue when it finds that the noncommercial message cannot be communicated effectively by other means, the applicant will limit times, locations and levels so as not to unreasonably disturb the public peace, and the equipment will not be used in residential areas from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (3); noncommercial bells or chimes for not more than 90 seconds in an hour (5); and carillon playing from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (6). (5) The City Administrator may grant a temporary written exemption from the sound level limits, naming the party, location, dates, times and dB(A) levels, for no more than 30 days (9:367); activities that began before the article and exceed the limits may seek a variance from the Building Board of Appeals (9:368). (6) If the person responsible for a violation cannot be determined, the owner, lessee or occupant of the property is deemed responsible, as a civil infraction (9:369). Third and later offenses within 2 years can bring up to 240 hours of community service (9:370). (7) Article I does not apply to motor vehicles in operation on a public right-of-way, aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport, or railroad equipment on railroad rights-of-way (9:360). Vehicles fall under Article II: a horn must be audible from at least 200 feet but may not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle, and may be used only when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation (9:376(1)); sirens, whistles and bells are barred except where the section permits them, on authorized emergency vehicles and on licensed historic vehicles in a parade, exhibition, tour or similar event, and a commercial vehicle may carry a theft alarm signal device (9:376); mufflers must be in good working order, and cutouts and bypasses are barred (9:377, 9:379(3)); and introducing gasoline or other material into a muffler or exhaust pipe that can make exhaust gases ignite is barred (9:378(2)). Article II penalties (9:381): a violation of 9:379(2), (4) or (6) (dealers selling noncompliant vehicles, and selling, installing or replacing a muffler or exhaust part that makes a vehicle exceed the limits) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100; a violation of 9:378 or 9:379(1), (3) or (5) is a civil infraction with a fine of not more than $100; a person who knowingly installs a muffler or exhaust system over the limits owes the person cited under 9:379 $100 plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs; other Article II violations carry a fine of not more than $100, up to 90 days, or both. (8) The vehicle sound system rule (9:390) sits in Article III, and the file shows no penalty section for Article III; the penalty sections 9:370 and 9:381 speak of violations of "this article". (9) Leaf blowers: gas-powered leaf blowers are banned from June 1 to September 30 and at all times from January 1, 2028; until then they are permitted "from October 1 to May 30", so the code text names neither rule for May 31 (6:702). Any leaf blower may be used at any time of year in an emergency, to restore property right after one, for a lawful controlled or prescribed burn, or for construction or repair of a street, sidewalk or other pavement, and turbine blowers may be used to maintain public facilities or prepare recreational facilities such as golf courses or playing fields (6:704). Blowing or placing debris, leaves or yard waste onto a neighboring property, street, sidewalk, drain or public right-of-way is barred (6:703). (10) In the downtown district (the area where the Downtown Development Authority exercises its powers), outdoor maintenance equipment with a two-cycle engine that is not solely electric, used to blow or collect leaves, dirt or debris or to trim hedges, prune or maintain landscaping, may not be operated at any time; snow removal equipment is excluded (6:611 to 6:613). The chainsaw exemption in 6:614 ended on June 30, 2020, by its own terms. Violations are civil infractions of not less than $100 plus costs, then not less than $250 plus costs (6:615). (11) Animal noise at night is covered only by reference: 9:363(9) bars a noise nuisance as defined in Chapter 107 (Animals) after 10:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m., and Chapter 107's text was not among the files read. (12) The City pages send noise complaints to non-emergency police dispatch while the noise is happening; no Ann Arbor page opened names an online channel for noise.

Document it before you report it

Ann Arbor's limits are measured numbers, so a reading is direct evidence of how loud it really is. Take a quick reading with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser and records nothing — and check how loud your block is on the Ann Arbor noise map. For time-stamped measurement history you can show a landlord or code officer, the app keeps a log.