Cities around the world use different noise management strategies stemming from various histories and needs for control of the urban sound environment. Noise regulations from 42 cities from around the world, chosen through purposive sampling, have been analyzed systematically for various elements of control. Results from a comparative evaluation are presented for five categories, namely: traffic, mechanical equipment, construction, music from commercial venues, and quiet zones. Differences were observed in terms of the extent to which the regulations are: 1) proactive or reactive; 2) based on perception or measurement; 3) applicable to specific sound sources or the overall sound environment; and 4) case-specific. As discussion follows on how various conceptualizations about sound are reflected in these axes. Uses and opportunities for the soundscape approach are examined. The categories of analysis have been identified in partnership with the City of Montreal as part of the Sounds in the City project and are in line with their pressing needs for a next generation sound management plan; however, the results have implications for other cities and may point toward some themes in establishing best practices. a) email: christopher. trudeau@ mail. mcgill. ca b) email: daniel. steele@ mail. mcgill. ca c) email: romain. dumoulin@ mcgill. ca d) email: catherine. guastavino@ mcgill. ca