Noise pollution is an intrusion into the commons. When boom boxes, leaf blowers, and jet ski's emit their sounds, they degrade the quality of the environment for everyone else. Many communities are fighting back, asserting their right to responsibly control excessive noise in public spaces.

Noise ordinances come in many shapes. Some are source-specific, limiting or banning the use of certain devices. Others are general, covering all potential noise sources. In this section we include what we consider to be the best of these codes.

The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse is the primary on-line resource for noise pollution information.

RULES:

• Noise Control Code - Chapel Hill, NC
  The Noise Control Code for Chapel Hill sets maximum permitted sound levels for certain times and days of the week. The town set the acceptable noise level during the day at 60 decibels (about the volume of conversational speech heard from a foot away), and 50 decibels at night (the equivalent of the noise in an average office). While many cities have noise caps, Chapel Hill's code is stringent enough that it will actually restrict noise. More...
• Amplified Noise
  Many communities have enacted laws defining maximum levels for amplified noise (similar to muffler laws for autos). City governments can amend the community noise ordinance to add these provisions, enact a whole new ordinance that includes these provisions, or enact this law to stand alone. A "plainly audible" standard has been applied in many places across the United States, and this standard has been held to be neither vague nor overbroad (State v. Ewing, 914 P.2d 549, Haw. 1996). More...
• Jet-Skis (Personal Watercraft) Noise
  Personal watercraft - commonly known as jet-skis - are a common source of noise pollution near water. They can reach speeds up to 60 mph and emit noise up to 115 decibels. Noise alone is not the sole reason communities have sought to ban them. The first ban on jet skis occured in Washington state's San Juan County in 1996. Since then, many towns have enacted bans or limits to using this type of watercraft. More...