Cary, NC Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Cary, NC?
| Regulation | Details for Cary, NC |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-9AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (919) 469-4012 |
General amplified sound affecting residential property is limited to 50 dB(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 60 dB(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.. Lawn mowers and landscaping equipment are permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Cary, NC Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Cary, NC?
Cary, NC's noise ordinance, detailed in Chapter 22 of the Town Code, establishes decibel limits to prevent unreasonably loud and disturbing noise affecting residential life. General amplified sound is limited to 60 dB(A) during the day (9 AM-9 PM) and 50 dB(A) at night (9 PM-9 AM) at adjacent residential property. Specific rules apply to construction and animal noise.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 60 dB(A) (9 AM - 9 PM) | 50 dB(A) (9 PM - 9 AM) |
| Commercial | 65 dB(A) (9 AM - 9 PM) for public entertainment affecting residential; 60 dB(A) (9 AM - 9 PM) for other amplified sound affecting residential | 55 dB(A) (9 PM - 2 AM) for public entertainment affecting residential; 40 dB(A) (2 AM - 9 AM) for public entertainment affecting residential; 50 dB(A) (9 PM - 9 AM) for other amplified sound affecting residential |
Note: Sound measurements are averaged over 60 seconds. A violation occurs if the average exceeds the limit, or if any sound exceeds the limit by 3 dB(A) or more at any time during the measurement period. Limits are measured at the affected residential property.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction work and operation of construction machinery are permitted Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and state-observed holidays between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Amplified Sound:
Amplified sound impacting residential areas is regulated with specific decibel limits: 60 dB(A) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.. Public entertainment venues have distinct limits: 65 dB(A) (9 AM-9 PM), 55 dB(A) (9 PM-2 AM), and 40 dB(A) (2 AM-9 AM) affecting residential structures. Permits are required for amplified sound exceeding these limits, with applications due at least 15 days in advance.
- Animals:
Excessive barking and other nuisance animal sounds are addressed under Sec. 6-71(f) of the Town Ordinance. Complaints require a detailed written and signed submission, which leads to a notice to the animal owner. If the issue is not resolved, an abatement order is issued, and continued violations can result in a civil citation.
- Vehicles:
Section 22-108 of the Town Code addresses motor vehicle noise. The general ordinance prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noise which frightens, annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cary, NC Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Cary, NC?
General amplified sound affecting residential property is limited to 50 dB(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 60 dB(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.. Lawn mowers and landscaping equipment are permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Cary, NC?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 60 dB(A) (9 AM - 9 PM) during the day and 50 dB(A) (9 PM - 9 AM) 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 Cary, NC?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Cary, NC police non-emergency line at (919) 469-4012. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 or (919) 469-4046.