A social media user alleged that Hattiesburg’s noise ordinance — which prohibits loud sounds audible from more than 50 feet away — is not being enforced.
Our rating: False.
While enforcement may vary depending on time, location and police resources, the Hattiesburg Police Department does respond to complaints and has issued citations. The claim ignores active enforcement efforts and misrepresents how the ordinance is applied. For full details, read the full fact-check below:
A social media post claimed that Hattiesburg’s noise ordinance — which bans loud sounds heard from more than 50 feet away — “is not enforced.”
That’s false. While enforcement may vary depending on time of day, location and available resources, the Hattiesburg Police Department does respond to noise complaints and has issued citations. The claim misrepresents how the ordinance is applied and ignores ongoing enforcement activity.
According to Chapter 15 of the city’s municipal code, it is unlawful to “make, assist in making, permit, continue, cause to be made or continued or permit the continuance of any sound that either exceeds the level which can be heard at a distance greater than 50 feet or otherwise unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others.” This applies to amplified music, loudspeakers, power tools and other disruptive noises.
The ordinance also includes specific rules for construction-related noise. Commercial or industrial activity — including slab pouring, building demolition or the operation of heavy equipment — may not occur before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. unless the work qualifies as an emergency and proper notice has been given.
According to city officials, police officers use a “plainly audible” standard to assess violations, rather than measuring decibel levels. Most enforcement is complaint-driven. Officers can issue warnings or citations depending on the nature of the noise, the time of day and whether the complaint involves repeat violations.
Noise complaints are among the more common quality-of-life issues reported by Hattiesburg residents. Officials say enforcement does occur, even if not every call results in a citation. In areas with repeated disturbances, police have conducted targeted enforcement and community engagement efforts.
Environmental factors — like wind direction, terrain and building layout — can affect whether a sound is heard beyond 50 feet, which officers consider when responding to complaints.
Exaggerated claims about a lack of enforcement can mislead the public, discourage residents from reporting real issues and erode trust in local systems. While enforcement may not be uniform across every neighborhood or incident, Hattiesburg police do respond to noise complaints — and the city code provides clear standards for what is and isn’t allowed.
This report was produced by the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center as part of its “What Is True?” fact-checking service. The center’s researchers investigate local claims to help the public separate fact from fiction. To learn more or submit a claim for review, visit rhcjcnews.com/witreq.
