We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Noise Abatement Laws?

Lainie Petersen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,262
Share

Noise abatement laws address the problem of noise pollution by prescribing both criminal and civil penalties for individuals and businesses that produce excessive, disturbing noise. The nature and scope of these laws varies according to jurisdiction, with some areas having extremely comprehensive noise abatement laws as well as significant penalties for those who violate them. Noise ordinances can be very complex in nature, as they must often address a multitude of sources. For example, an area may pass a noise abatement act that governs industrial noise, noise created by humans, as well as noise created by airplanes and other forms of transportation. Sound pollution issues also factor into animal control ordinances as well as the landlord-tenant relationship.

Some of these laws are targeted at businesses and can take on the character of environmental protection regulations by treating excessive noise as a form of pollution. For example, entertainment venues may be restricted to operating in certain areas zoned for businesses. They may also be required to install soundproofing or stop the playing of music at a certain hour. Factory owners may likewise be required to monitor the amount of noise made by their equipment. Construction workers, who must often work in residential areas, may be permitted by law to operate noisy tools, such as jackhammers, but will be restricted in the hours and days during which they can use them.

Home owners and renters are typically required to show common courtesy to their neighbors by controlling the noise on their property. This includes monitoring noise made by household appliances, such as air-conditioning units and entertainment systems. A home owner may also be held responsible for controlling the amount of noise his or her household pets make. Some areas even have laws that penalize car owners who do not monitor their car's auto alarm system and who do not immediately disable it if it goes off while parked in a residential area.

In some cases, noise abatement laws can take on special significance for landlords and tenants. Landlords may be held responsible for their tenants' refusal to obey noise abatement laws and may be able to evict tenants on the grounds that the tenants repeatedly violated them. Tenants may also be able to terminate their tenancy or sue their landlord for damages if the landlord refuses to take action against other tenants who violate noise laws.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Lainie Petersen
By Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an editor. With a unique educational background, she crafts engaging content and hosts podcasts and radio shows, showcasing her versatility as a media and communication professional. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any media organization.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-noise-abatement-laws.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.