Noise Ordinances in Greenville, NC (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for Greenville, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Greenville's residential sound limit drops from 60 dB(A) to 55 dB(A) every night at 11 p.m., staying lower until 7 a.m. under Table 1 of § 12-5-4, the code's defined 'night-time' window, and several extra nuisance-noise offenses in § 12-5-5 apply only during those hours.
Nighttime Quiet Hours in Greenville
Some RestrictionsGreenville City Code §§ 12-5-2, 12-5-4, Table 1
Night-time. ... That time commencing at 11:00 p.m. on one day and ending at 7:00 a.m. the next day or, if using the 24-hour clock, from 2300 - 0700. ... TABLE 1: ... SOUND LEVELS BY USE OCCUPANCY Use Occupancy Category Time Sound Level Limit (dB(A)) Residential 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m60 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m55
Construction Hours
Construction operations with a building permit, or work that doesn't need one, are exempt from Greenville's noise limits from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, as long as all equipment runs with its standard mufflers and noise-reducing gear in place.
Allowed Construction Hours in Greenville
Some RestrictionsGreenville City Code § 12-5-6(B)
SEC. 12-5-6 EXCEPTIONS. ... The following are exempt from the provisions of Table 1 and Table 2 of section 12-5-4 and section 12-5-5: ... (B) Construction operations from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends for which building permits have been issued or construction operations not requiring permits; providing all equipment is operated in accord with the man...
Barking Dogs
Greenville's nuisance-noise ordinance makes it unlawful to keep an animal or fowl that disturbs neighbors through 'habitual or frequent' barking, howling, squawking or meowing. A first citation under § 12-5-5 costs $100, rising to $250 and then $500 for repeat violations within a year.
Barking Dog Noise Violations in Greenville
Some RestrictionsGreenville City Code § 12-5-5(B)(13)
(A) In addition to any other violation of this chapter, it shall be unlawful to emit any unreasonably loud, annoying, frightening, loud and disturbing or unnecessary noise. Specifically, it shall be unlawful to emit noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. ... (13) The keeping or maintaining or ...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Greenville requires an outdoor amplified sound permit before any live band, DJ or sound system can play outdoors, whether the speakers sit outside or the sound simply carries outside through open doors or windows. The sponsoring business or group must sign the permit and cover security and cleanup costs.
Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit in Greenville
Significant RestrictionsGreenville City Code § 12-5-4(B)
(B) Outdoor amplified sound, including a live musical group or individual using sound amplifying equipment, may be produced only if an authorized agent of the sponsoring business, organization or group has been granted an outdoor amplified sound permit. This permit must be signed by a representative of the business, organization or group holding or sponsoring the event at which the outdoor ampl...
Aircraft Noise
Greenville's noise ordinance does not regulate aircraft noise. City Code Section 12-5-6(G) exempts all noise from the normal operation of properly equipped aircraft from the decibel limits in Tables 1 and 2 of the noise chapter, so overflight and airport-related sound cannot be cited under the general noise rules.
Aircraft Noise Exempt in Greenville
Few RestrictionsGreenville City Code § 12-5-6(G)
SEC. 12-5-6 EXCEPTIONS. ... The following are exempt from the provisions of Table 1 and Table 2 of section 12-5-4 and section 12-5-5: ... (G) All noises coming from the normal operations of properly equipped aircraft (not including scale model aircraft);
Decibel Limits
Greenville caps outdoor sound at the property line using Table 1 of § 12-5-4: 60 dB(A) by day and 55 dB(A) at night in residential areas, 65/60 dB(A) in commercial or public space, and a flat 75 dB(A) for manufacturing, industrial or agricultural uses at all times.
Greenville's Decibel Limits by Zone and Time
Some RestrictionsGreenville City Code § 12-5-4(C), Table 1
(C) Except as allowed in subsection (D) below, no person shall operate or cause to be operated any source of sound in such a manner as to create a sound level which at its peak exceeds the limits set forth for the use occupancy categories in Table 1 when measured at or beyond the property line of the property from which the sound originates. ... TABLE 1: SOUND LEVELS BY USE OCCUPANCY Use Occupa...
Vehicle Noise
City Code Section 12-5-9 bans driving any vehicle whose sound level exceeds the dB(A) ceilings in Table 3, which vary by vehicle weight, motorcycle status, and speed. Measurements are taken 25 feet from the lane at four feet high; violations carry Class 3 misdemeanor and escalating civil-ticket penalties.
Motor Vehicle Sound Limits in Greenville
Some RestrictionsGreenville City Code § 12-5-9(A)-(B)
SEC. 12-5-9 MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE. (A) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, operate, move or permit to be driven, operated or moved a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles at any time in such a manner that the sound level of the vehicle exceeds the levels set forth for that category of vehicles as shown below: TABLE 3: MAXIMUM MOTOR VEHICLE SOUND LEVEL IN dB(A) Vehicle Type ...
Looking for Pitt County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Greenville city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Pitt County →