🇺🇸 United States - America/Chicago (local time 8:50 PM)
Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Memphis, Tennessee
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 23:00-07:00 (radios or sound devices and yelling are specifically restricted during these hours; unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise is prohibited at any time).
Weekends/holidays: 23:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-18:00 in residential districts (outside hours allowed only by emergency permit from the Chief Building Inspector).
Construction weekends: Not permitted in residential districts without an emergency permit.
Memphis regulates noise as a public nuisance under Chapter 9-68 — Noise Control. The code specifically restricts radios/sound devices and yelling, particularly between 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m., and limits building operations in residential districts to weekday daytime hours. See the Memphis Code (Title 9, Ch. 9-68) and report non-emergency noise via Memphis 311.
Residential quiet hours
23:00-07:00 (radios or sound devices and yelling are specifically restricted during these hours; unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise is prohibited at any time).
Weekends & holidays: 23:00-07:00
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-18:00 in residential districts (outside hours allowed only by emergency permit from the Chief Building Inspector).
Weekends: Not permitted in residential districts without an emergency permit.
Lawn equipment
No separate schedule; avoid 23:00-07:00 and follow the general prohibition on unreasonably loud noise.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Radios or sound equipment that disturb persons in nearby dwellings—especially 23:00-07:00—are prohibited; yelling or shouting that disturbs others is likewise prohibited.
Typical fines
Handled under the City's general penalty provisions; Chapter 9-68 does not publish a fixed dollar schedule.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Memphis 311 (non-emergency); call police for active disturbances.. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://memphistn.gov/call-311/ or call Memphis 311 (non-emergency); call police for active disturbances.. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi — Memphis treats unreasonably loud noise as a nuisance, and radios/yelling are especially restricted from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Could you keep it down during those hours? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we’re experiencing recurring late-night noise from [unit/address]. Under Memphis Code Ch. 9-68, radios/sound devices and yelling that disturb neighbors—especially 11 p.m.-7 a.m.—are prohibited. Please remind occupants/contractors; I can share a brief incident log.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Memphis Code of Ordinances — Chapter 9-68 Noise Control
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Document date/time, location, and whether the sound carries beyond property lines—note if it is between 23:00-07:00.
- For construction noise outside 07:00-18:00 on weekdays or on weekends in residential districts, ask if an emergency permit was issued and cite the contractor or site signage.
- Use Memphis 311 to obtain a case number; call police for active late-night disturbances.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.