Asheville, NC Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Asheville, NC?
| Regulation | Details for Asheville, NC |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (828) 252-1110 |
The city defines general 'nighttime hours' as 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For enforcement in Central Business (CBD) and Commercial districts, specific sound level limits apply: Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) and Nighttime (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thu in CBD; 10 PM - 7 AM Sun-Thu in Commercial; 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat in CBD; 11 PM - 7 AM Fri-Sat in Commercial), with a 'Late Night' period (2 AM - 7 AM) in CBD only. Residential areas use a 'noise disturbance standard' without fixed quiet hours.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Asheville, NC Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Asheville, NC?
Asheville, NC's noise ordinance, updated in September 2021, employs objective decibel limits for Central Business (CBD) and Commercial districts, alongside a "noise disturbance standard" for residential areas. It defines specific quiet hours and regulates construction, amplified sound, animals, and vehicles. Violations can result in civil penalties.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Noise disturbance standard | Noise disturbance standard |
| Commercial | 65 dBA (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) | 57 dBA (10 PM - 7 AM Sun-Thu; 11 PM - 7 AM Fri-Sat) |
Note: Decibel limits are measured as a one-minute average (Leq1) from the receiver's property. The Central Business District (CBD) has distinct limits: Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) 72 dBA; Nighttime (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thu; 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat) 67 dBA; Late Night (2 AM - 7 AM) 62 dBA. A reduction of five decibels applies for pure tone, continuous, cyclically varying, or repetitive impulsive sounds.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Restricted to 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday within 500 feet of a residential district. After-hours permits are required for work outside these times from the building inspector.
- Amplified Sound:
Defined as sound increased in volume by electrical power. Sound Exceedance Permits are required for activities exceeding decibel limits in CBD/Commercial districts, with events generally restricted to 10 AM - 10 PM (Sun-Thu) and 10 AM - 11 PM (Fri-Sat). Busking (street performing) is prohibited after 10 PM.
- Animals:
A 'noise disturbance' includes unreasonably loud and raucous sounds from animals, such as repeated or continuous barking/howling, which endangers health/safety or disturbs a reasonable person.
- Vehicles:
Vehicle exhaust/revving and loud speakers are common sources of noise complaints. Motorized vehicles are defined, and prohibitions for certain high-level noise polluting devices were proposed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asheville, NC Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Asheville, NC?
The city defines general 'nighttime hours' as 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For enforcement in Central Business (CBD) and Commercial districts, specific sound level limits apply: Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) and Nighttime (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thu in CBD; 10 PM - 7 AM Sun-Thu in Commercial; 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat in CBD; 11 PM - 7 AM Fri-Sat in Commercial), with a 'Late Night' period (2 AM - 7 AM) in CBD only. Residential areas use a 'noise disturbance standard' without fixed quiet hours.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Asheville, NC?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Noise disturbance standard during the day and Noise disturbance 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 Asheville, NC?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Asheville, NC police non-emergency line at (828) 252-1110. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at City of Asheville Development Services Department, Noise Compliance Division (noise@ashevillenc.gov); general city line (828) 251-1122.