Should Local Noise Ordinances Be Enforced
News Staff • September 3, 2025
Many cities already have noise ordinances
Have you ever had a car pull up next to you and their music volume is volume is so loud you can feel the thump of the bass in your car? Maybe you have experienced a vehicle going down your community street that has an exhaust system which wakes up you and your neighbors. This and other scenarios have come to the attention of Gulf Shores officials and enforcement may soon stop the volume.
In this week's City Council work session Gulf Shores Police Chief, Dan Netemeyer, addressed a sound ordinance with the council members. He confirmed that the legislation had been built with the assistance of many people and reviewed by the city attorney.
The presentation included a quality of life factor, while understanding that there will be events and businesses which may contribute to noise at certain times. The problem comes down to what is considered "Reasonable" and how to enforce the decibel standard.
Before a noise ordinance can be enforced a baseline decibel reading has to be established from a sound device. Chief Netemeyer explained to the council members and audience that over the past two months he has been involved in collecting those baseline readings and showed an example to the attendees.
While monitoring a boom box volume being used by a beachgoer or excessive volume from a vehicle may be difficult, the baseline volume of business outlets should be established. The majority of establishments which play live music were within "reasonable" standards but a standard should be set and enforced to ensure quality of life for locals and visiting families. Chief Netemeyer presented the following suggestions:
These noise ordinances would be enforced with fines for infractions. Penalties for violating noise regulations include a $500 fine for the first offense, with escalated charges up to $2,000 for repeat offenses within a six-month period.
Enforcement will initially rely on sound meters, allowing officers to measure decibel levels and determine if violations occur. A gradual introduction of this system is planned to warn offenders before formal penalties are invoked.
The police leadership emphasized that they have confidence in their officers' judgment, noting that they are experienced and capable individuals. This autonomy enables officers to tackle issues with common sense and reasonableness, rather than automatic enforcement.
This presentation by Chief Netemeyer took place during a Council Work Session. More content and discussion may be added at the new full meeting of the Gulf Shores City Council.
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