Noise Ordinances in Shelby, NC (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Shelby, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Shelby limits amplified sound to 50 dB(A) overnight (9 p.m.-9 a.m.), down from 60 dB(A) by day, and caps residential noise at 60 dB(A) around the clock under its noise ordinance.
Shelby Noise Ordinance Nighttime Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsShelby, NC City Code § 16-38(4)
As to sounds other than those listed in subsections (1)—(3) of this section, to operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering 60 dB(a) or greater affecting occupied residential structures or units between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., or 50 dB(A) or greater between 9:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.
Construction Hours
Construction work and machinery in Shelby are only exempt from the noise ordinance on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and city/state holidays.
Shelby Limits Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsShelby, NC Code of Ordinances, Sec. 16-34(16)
Construction work. Performing construction work or operating construction machinery Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays which are observed by the city or state.(17)Garages. Noises created by the ordinary business activities of garages or service stations between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:...
Barking Dogs
Shelby declares habitual dog barking that seriously annoys neighbors a public nuisance, enforceable by abatement, injunction, or misdemeanor prosecution under the city code.
Shelby Barking Dog Nuisance Law
Some RestrictionsShelby City Code § 4-45(2)
The owning, keeping or maintenance of any dog which habitually or repeatedly barks, howls, whines, yelps or otherwise produces any sounds which cause serious annoyance to neighboring residents, or which interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of the premises occupied by such residents, or which interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of public streets, sidewalks or other public ...
Leaf Blower Rules
Shelby limits lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment to 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. on weekends, keeping compliant use exempt from the city noise ordinance.
Shelby Leaf Blower and Yard Equipment Hours
Some RestrictionsSec. 16-34(10)
Lawn mowers, landscaping equipment, and agricultural equipment used between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays when operated with all the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Shelby caps amplified sound equipment at set decibel levels by time of day, with tighter limits overnight and near residences.
Shelby Amplified Sound Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsSec. 16-38.
Except in accordance with a permit obtained from the city, or as provided in section 16-39, the following shall be unlawful: (1)Places of public entertainment. As to places of public entertainment, including, but not limited to, restaurants, taverns and bars, coffeehouses and private clubs, to operate, or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registe...
Aircraft Noise
Shelby's noise ordinance exempts all noise from normal aircraft operations, including helicopters, from its unreasonably-loud-noise and decibel standards, so the city sets no flight-noise limit, curfew, or permit requirement.
Shelby Aircraft and Helicopter Noise Exemption
Few RestrictionsSec. 16-34(9)
Aircraft. All noises coming from the normal operations of property equipped aircraft, but not including scale model aircraft.
Decibel Limits
In Shelby, non-amplified noise from a business, industrial, or commercial source that reaches an occupied home may not exceed 60 dB(A), measured at the residential property line.
Shelby Caps Commercial Noise Hitting Homes at 60 dB
Some RestrictionsShelby, NC Code of Ordinances § 16-36
it shall be unlawful for anyone to create or cause a sound that exceeds 60 dB(A) affecting any occupied residential structure or unit other than the unit occupied by the person creating the sounds.
Vehicle Noise
In Shelby, it's illegal to drive with unreasonably loud vehicle noise or play a car stereo audible from 30 feet away.
Shelby Bans Loud Vehicle Stereos
Some RestrictionsSec. 16-37, Shelby, NC Code of Ordinances
It shall be unlawful to operate or allow the operation of any motor vehicle in the city: (1) By engaging in operations which create unreasonably loud and disturbing noises; or (2) By playing any radio, tape player, compact disc player or other sound-making device or instrument from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible 30 feet away from the vehicle.