High Point, NC Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in High Point, NC?
| Regulation | Details for High Point, NC |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 336-883-3111 |
For general sound-producing devices and amplified sound, 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. if audible 30 feet or more from property lines. Construction is restricted between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays in or near residential areas. Loudspeakers are further restricted between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays in residential, commercial, or noise sensitive areas. Loading/unloading is restricted 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 areas.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
High Point, NC Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in High Point, NC?
High Point, NC noise ordinances, outlined primarily in Chapter 12, Article I, Section 12-1-10 "Offenses against public peace and order" and Chapter 17, Article II "Noise Control," prohibit unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises. These include excessive sound from radios and amplified devices, frequent animal noise, loud vehicle operation, and construction outside permitted hours.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified | 50 dB(A) measured in an adjacent intrabuilding area 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. |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: The ordinances refer to 'Table 1 of section 17-10' and 'Table 2' for maximum permissible sound levels by use occupancy, but these tables are not provided in the search results. Exceeding these levels by more than 15 dB(A) or dB in octave band measurement is prohibited. Motor vehicles have limits of 76-80 dB(A) for vehicles under 10,000 lbs and 91-95 dB(A) for those 10,000 lbs or more, measured at 25 feet, depending on speed limit. Motor boats are restricted from exceeding 86 dB(A) when measured at least 50 feet from the craft in residential or noise sensitive zones.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating tools for construction, drilling, repair, alteration, or demolition work 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, in or within 50 yards of any residential area or noise sensitive zone, unless by special permit or for emergency work.
- Amplified Sound:
Playing radios, televisions, stereos, musical instruments, or other sound-producing/amplifying devices is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if the sound is audible at 30 feet or more from a dwelling's property line. Loudspeakers or amplifier systems are generally 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 residential, commercial, or noise sensitive areas, unless by special permit for noncommercial public speaking or assembly. Loudspeakers for commercial purposes are generally prohibited if they annoy or disturb. Amplified sound audible in excess of 150 feet is restricted.
- Animals:
Keeping any animal or bird that, by causing frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity, is prohibited. Excessive barking dogs are considered a violation of the noise ordinance, and animal control officers work with dog owners to address these issues.
- Vehicles:
Creating unreasonably loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise from motor vehicles, or sounding horns unnecessarily, is prohibited. Sound-producing equipment in vehicles is prohibited if the sound or vibration is audible or felt at 30 feet or more. Loading and unloading vehicles is restricted between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends or holidays in or within 50 yards of a residential area or noise sensitive zone. Motor boats exceeding 86 dB(A) when measured at 50 feet in residential or noise sensitive zones are also prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about High Point, NC Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in High Point, NC?
For general sound-producing devices and amplified sound, 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. if audible 30 feet or more from property lines. Construction is restricted between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays in or near residential areas. Loudspeakers are further restricted between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays in residential, commercial, or noise sensitive areas. Loading/unloading is restricted 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 areas.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in High Point, NC?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified during the day and 50 dB(A) measured in an adjacent intrabuilding area 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. 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 High Point, NC?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the High Point, NC police non-emergency line at 336-883-3111. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 336-883-3328.