The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Wilmington, DE
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Downtown district has specific limits: 75 dB day, 65 dB night. Enforcement may use decibel meters, but 'plainly audible' criteria also apply."
AI Executive Summary
Wilmington, DE's noise ordinance, Article III "Noise Control and Abatement," prohibits noise disturbances endangering health or annoying reasonable persons. Residential areas permit 65 dB during the day (7 AM-11 PM weekdays, until midnight weekends) and 55 dB at night. Commercial limits are 75 dB day/70 dB night, with Downtown at 75 dB day/65 dB night.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating equipment for construction, drilling, or demolition work is generally prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or holidays, if it creates a noise disturbance in a residential area. Lawn maintenance equipment is restricted between 9 PM and 7 AM.
Amplified Sound
Operating radios, televisions, musical instruments, sound amplifiers, or similar devices in a manner that creates a noise disturbance within a receiving property, is plainly audible across real property boundaries or through common partitions, or plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from a motor vehicle, is prohibited. More permits are required for outdoor events with amplified music if noise levels exceed maximum limits. Selling perishable goods from a motor vehicle with amplified sound is restricted between 9 PM and 7 AM (June 1-August 31) and between 8 PM and 7 AM (September 1-May 31).
Animals
Owning, possessing, harboring, or controlling any animal or bird that barks, bays, cries, or squawks continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, thereby causing a noise disturbance within a receiving property, is unlawful, unless the animal was provoked by trespassing.
Vehicles
The use of motor vehicle horns and warning devices is limited to emergency situations. Repairing, rebuilding, testing, or racing the motor of any motor vehicle in a residential district between 9 PM and 8 AM is prohibited if it creates a noise disturbance. All vehicles must comply with applicable state regulations. Operating noise-producing devices on public transit vehicles without earplugs or earphones is prohibited.
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