FAQs

What time can I start construction in the morning? How about weekends? Does this include lawn mowing?: This would fall under the City of DeKalb Municipal Code Noise Ordinance, Chapter 52.07.
Noise Ordinance (PDF)

Noise Violations

1. What time can I start construction in the morning? How about weekends? Does this include lawn mowing?: This would fall under the City of DeKalb Municipal Code Noise Ordinance, Chapter 52.07.
Noise Ordinance (PDF)

2. What can I do about persons lighting fireworks?: Fireworks can often be mistaken for gunfire and often times it is reported to the police department as such. Most fireworks are illegal to possess and discharge within the City of DeKalb. Some of the illegal fireworks are: firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, Roman candles, bombs, blank cartridges, toy cannons in which explosives are used, and balloons that require fire underneath to propel the balloon; or, other fireworks containing any explosive compounds. Legal fireworks within the City of DeKalb are: snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, sparklers and trick noisemakers.

3. What can I do about loud parties/noises?: Loud parties/noises are best handled by calling the non-emergency number, 815-748-8400. The City of DeKalb requires that during day hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) any noise source should not exceed 60dBA. This would be measured from the property line of the complainant’s. During night hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) the noise source should not exceed 55dBA. Read Chapter 52 of the Municipal Code to learn about public peace. Chapter 52 (PDF)