Rehoboth Beach, DE Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
| Regulation | Details for Rehoboth Beach, DE |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-8AM (general); 8AM-8PM (landscaping); 8AM-5PM (construction weekdays); 9AM-5PM (construction Saturdays Nov 1-Apr 30) |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 302-227-2577 |
11PM-8AM (general), 8AM-8PM (landscaping), 8AM-5PM (construction weekdays), 9AM-5PM (construction Saturdays Nov-Apr).
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Rehoboth Beach, DE Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
Rehoboth Beach, DE's "Noise Control Ordinance" prohibits loud, excessive, or unnecessary noise disturbing reasonable persons. Residential areas use a "plainly audible standard," while commercial areas and construction have decibel limits. Quiet hours generally run from 11 PM to 8 AM, with specific restrictions for construction and amplified sound. Violations incur civil assessments.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Plainly audible standard | Plainly audible standard |
| Commercial | Not specified (general); 74 dBA (small power equipment) | Not specified (general); 74 dBA (small power equipment) |
Note: Residential noise is determined by a "plainly audible standard" from 11 PM to 8 AM. For commercial zoning districts, a decibel meter is used, but specific general limits are not provided in the snippets. Construction noise cannot exceed 94 dBA. Small power equipment, including landscaping tools, shall not exceed 74 dBA and can only be operated between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction is generally prohibited between 5 PM and 8 AM the following morning on weekdays. It is not permitted on Sundays or on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Construction is allowed on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM only between November 1 and April 30. Noise levels from construction sites shall not exceed 94 dBA.
- Amplified Sound:
Sound trucks are prohibited. Operating sound-amplifying equipment requires a permit from the City Manager and must not unreasonably disturb the peace. Outdoor use of musical instruments or sound-producing devices in residential districts is prohibited after 11 PM or before 8 AM.
- Animals:
No person shall keep any animal that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity; this is considered a civil offense. Dogs are prohibited from the beach and boardwalk from May 1 through September 30. A leash law and 'pooper scooper' law are enforced.
- Vehicles:
No person operating a motor vehicle, vehicle, or bicycle shall play any radio, stereo system, or musical device at a volume that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rehoboth Beach, DE Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
11PM-8AM (general), 8AM-8PM (landscaping), 8AM-5PM (construction weekdays), 9AM-5PM (construction Saturdays Nov-Apr).. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Plainly audible standard during the day and Plainly audible standard at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Rehoboth Beach, DE?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Rehoboth Beach, DE police non-emergency line at 302-227-2577. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 302-227-6181 ext 222.