Fayetteville, NC Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Fayetteville, NC?
| Regulation | Details for Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM (weekdays), 10PM-10AM (weekends/holidays) - general for amplified sound/dwellings; earlier for other specific activities |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 910-433-1530 |
Quiet hours vary by activity and day. For loudspeakers/amplified sound and multifamily dwellings, it's generally 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Construction and loading/unloading are restricted from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays. Refuse collection is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Fayetteville, NC Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Fayetteville, NC?
Fayetteville, NC noise ordinances, outlined in Chapter 17 of the City Code, prohibit excessive, unnecessary, and disturbing noise. The regulations establish specific quiet hours for activities like construction, amplified sound, and refuse collection, with varied weekend and weekday restrictions. Decibel limits apply to multifamily dwellings and amplified sound from commercial establishments. Violations can result in civil penalties and criminal charges.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (general); 55 dB(A) within multifamily dwellings (7AM-10PM) | Not specified (general); 45 dB(A) within multifamily dwellings (10PM-7AM weekdays, 10PM-10AM weekends/holidays), 50 dB(A) in adjacent intrabuilding areas (10PM-7AM weekdays, 10PM-10AM weekends/holidays) |
| Commercial | Up to 70 dB(A) or 75 dB(C) between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) or 11:00 p.m. (Friday-Saturday) for amplified sound from commercial establishments. | Up to 55 dB(A) or 60 dB(C) between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. (Sunday-Thursday) or 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. (Friday-Saturday) for amplified sound from commercial establishments. Sound plainly audible from 25 feet between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. is prohibited. |
Note: Fayetteville imposes limits at the boundary of the source property. General decibel limits for residential and commercial zones, beyond specific activities, are not explicitly provided in the available snippets of 'Table 1 of section 17-10' of the City's Code of Ordinances, which is referenced for some limits.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating construction, drilling, repair, alteration, or demolition tools is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends or holidays, within 50 yards of residential areas or noise-sensitive zones, unless for emergency work or with a special permit. Exemptions exist for permitted construction if all equipment operates with manufacturer's specifications and mufflers.
- Amplified Sound:
Using loudspeakers, loudspeaker systems, or similar devices is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays, in or adjacent to residential, commercial, or noise-sensitive areas, unless a special permit for noncommercial public speaking or assembly has been issued. Exterior loudspeakers exceeding specified sound levels require a permit.
- Animals:
Keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise, unreasonably disturbing the comfort and repose of persons in the vicinity, is prohibited. A dog is considered a 'nuisance' if it barks or howls excessively.
- Vehicles:
Motor vehicles must not exceed specified noise limits based on speed and vehicle type, measured at 25 feet from the nearest lane. Exhaust systems must be free from defects affecting sound reduction, equipped with a muffler, and not have cut-out/bypass devices. Recreational motorized vehicles off public rights-of-way must not exceed specified limits in residential/noise-sensitive zones. Loading and unloading of noisy items (boxes, building materials, garbage cans) is prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays near residential or noise-sensitive zones. Refuse collection vehicles are prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays in residential or noise-sensitive zones.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fayetteville, NC Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Fayetteville, NC?
Quiet hours vary by activity and day. For loudspeakers/amplified sound and multifamily dwellings, it's generally 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Construction and loading/unloading are restricted from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays. Refuse collection is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Fayetteville, NC?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (general); 55 dB(A) within multifamily dwellings (7AM-10PM) during the day and Not specified (general); 45 dB(A) within multifamily dwellings (10PM-7AM weekdays, 10PM-10AM weekends/holidays), 50 dB(A) in adjacent intrabuilding areas (10PM-7AM weekdays, 10PM-10AM weekends/holidays) 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 Fayetteville, NC?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Fayetteville, NC police non-emergency line at 910-433-1530. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 910-433-1329.