Charlotte, NC Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Charlotte, NC?
| Regulation | Details for Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 704-336-7600 or 311 |
Generally 9 PM to 7 AM for mechanical noise in residential areas. Amplified sound in residential property has night limits from 9 PM to 9 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and 11 PM to 8 AM (Friday-Saturday). Commercial outdoor amplification has night limits from 9 PM to 2 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and 11 PM to 2 AM (Friday-Saturday).
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Charlotte, NC Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte, NC, noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 15, Article III of the City Code, prohibit unreasonably loud and disturbing noises. Regulations vary by zoning, time of day, and noise source, with specific decibel limits for amplified sound and commercial establishments, and restricted hours for activities like construction and use of loud machinery in residential areas.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dB(A) (8 AM - 9 PM Sun-Thurs, 8 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) for amplified sound | 50 dB(A) (9 PM - 8 AM Fri-Sat, 9 PM - 9 AM Sun-Thurs) for amplified sound |
| Commercial | 85 dB(C) (8 AM - 9 PM Sun-Thurs, 8 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) | 60 dB(C) (9 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thurs, 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat) |
Note: Decibel limits are measured at the nearest residentially occupied property line for amplified sound (dB(A)) and at the property line of the commercial establishment for commercial outdoor amplification (dB(C)). Any mechanical noise registering over 60 dB(A) at the nearest complainant's property line is probable cause for a violation in residential areas. Permits for amplified sound cannot exceed 70 dB(A) at the nearest residential property line.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operation of construction machinery is prohibited between 9 PM and 7 AM in residential areas or within 300 feet of any residentially occupied structure. Exceptions apply for emergency operations or city-contracted work deemed necessary to avoid traffic impacts or utility disruptions.
- Amplified Sound:
Unlawful to operate sound amplification equipment exceeding 55 dB(A) during the day or 50 dB(A) at night, as measured at the nearest residential property line. Commercial establishments have specific dB(C) limits (85 dB(C) day, 60 dB(C) night) varying by day of the week. Permits may be obtained but cannot allow sounds over 70 dB(A) at residential property lines.
- Animals:
It is unlawful to own, keep, or harbor any animal that, by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, or otherwise, causes loud noises and produces seriously annoying disturbance to any person or neighborhood.
- Vehicles:
Unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with removed, altered, or disrepaired muffler/noise-control equipment. Also prohibited are 'jackrabbit starts,' spinning tires, racing engines, or off-street racing that create unreasonably loud and disturbing noises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlotte, NC Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Charlotte, NC?
Generally 9 PM to 7 AM for mechanical noise in residential areas. Amplified sound in residential property has night limits from 9 PM to 9 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and 11 PM to 8 AM (Friday-Saturday). Commercial outdoor amplification has night limits from 9 PM to 2 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and 11 PM to 2 AM (Friday-Saturday).. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Charlotte, NC?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dB(A) (8 AM - 9 PM Sun-Thurs, 8 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) for amplified sound during the day and 50 dB(A) (9 PM - 8 AM Fri-Sat, 9 PM - 9 AM Sun-Thurs) for amplified sound 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 Charlotte, NC?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Charlotte, NC police non-emergency line at 704-336-7600 or 311. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 704-336-7600 or 311.