What to know about Chattanooga’s noise ordinance

Loud music, yelling, and fireworks — here’s what’s okay (and what’s not) after 8:30 p.m.

 Fireworks in the night sky over Chattanooga

Fireworks are allowed until 11:30 p.m. most nights of the year in Chattanooga.

Photo by @ty.inthesky

December is full of celebrations — whether it’s for Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s Eve, there’s a good chance you’re partying this month.

Before you crank up the music to full blast, we’ve got to ask — do you know about Chattanooga’s noise ordinance?

It was updated and passed in April 2023, and restricts unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise in residential areas. So what does that mean? Here are some of the noises to keep in check after 8:30 p.m:

  • Loud, amplified music (this doesn’t apply to festivals or block parties with a permit)
  • Yelling in the street
  • Operating a lawn mower, chainsaw, or other loud tool
  • Honking the horn excessively in a stationary vehicle

If someone around you is violating the ordinance, you can report it by calling 311, using the CHA 311 app, or by emailing the city. Keep in mind: The ordinance does make an exception for New Year’s Eve, Juneteenth, and July 4th, when fireworks are allowed until 12:30 a.m.

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