Noise Ordinances in Arizona
How noise ordinances rules compare across Arizona cities. Pick a city below for the full breakdown.
Quiet Hours
Arizona leaves noise regulation almost entirely to its municipalities. State law provides a basic framework through its nuisance statutes (ARS 12-1201) but doesn't set decibel limits or quiet hours. Most Arizona cities have adopted ordinances modeled on the International Noise Standard, with adjustments for the state's outdoor-living culture. The biggest issue statewide is the tension between residential growth and nearby commercial or agricultural operations — the state's Right to Farm Act protects established agricultural operations from noise complaints even as subdivisions encroach. In metro Phoenix, the various cities in Maricopa County have surprisingly different standards.
| City | Strictness | Key Detail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Some Restrictions | Quiet hours 10 PM–6 AM (weekdays), 10 PM–8 AM (weekends). 75 dB daytime. | Full rules → |
| Tucson | Some Restrictions | Quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM. 62 dB daytime, 52 dB nighttime residential. | Full rules → |
| Mesa | Some Restrictions | Quiet hours 10 PM–6 AM. Follows Phoenix model closely. 70 dB daytime. | Full rules → |
| Scottsdale | Heavy Restrictions | Quiet hours 10 PM–6 AM. Active enforcement in Old Town entertainment area. | Full rules → |
| Chandler | Some Restrictions | Quiet hours 10 PM–6 AM. 65 dB daytime. Complaint-driven enforcement. | Full rules → |
| Gilbert | Some Restrictions | Quiet hours 10 PM–6 AM. Family-oriented enforcement approach. Warnings first. | Full rules → |
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