The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
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3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Asheville, NC
Noise Ordinance Overview
You’ve located the ordinance. Now, compare your situation against the legal thresholds to build your case.
Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
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