Quiet Hours: Apex vs Cary
How do quiet hours rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex and Cary have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex regulates noise through Chapter 14 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Article III of the Town Code. Sec. 14-31 establishes sound emission standards that are unlawful during 'daytime or nighttime hours' when sound exceeds the maximum decibel limits in Table 1 for more than ten percent of any measuring period. Sec. 14-33 enumerates additional 'other prohibited noises' that are unlawful regardless of meter reading.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Division 2 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger citizens. The ordinance restricts amplified sound and other disturbances, particularly during nighttime hours.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | Town Code Ch. 14 (Offenses), Art. III, Secs. 14-30 through 14-33 | - |
| Measurement Standard | dB(A), measured at least 10 ft inside complainant's property boundary (Sec. 14-30) | - |
| Numeric Cap Trigger | Exceeding Table 1 dB(A) for more than 10% of a 100-reading measuring period | - |
| Amplified Sound on Streets | 55 dB(A) max at 20 ft from device (Sec. 14-33) | - |
| State Backstop | N.C.G.S. 14-4 (misdemeanor penalty); N.C.G.S. 14-159 (disorderly conduct) | - |
| Apex PD Non-Emergency | 919-362-8661 (24 hours) | - |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 22, Division 2 |
| Standard | - | Unreasonably loud/disturbing noise prohibited |
| Enforcement | - | Cary Police Department |
| Amplified Sound | - | Regulated under §22-109 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
What are the quiet hours in Apex, NC?
Apex Town Code Sec. 14-31 prohibits sound exceeding the Table 1 dB(A) limits for more than ten percent of any measuring period, with separate daytime and nighttime caps - it is unlawful 'during the daytime or nighttime hours' to exceed those limits. Sec. 14-33 also lists specific prohibited noises (amplified sound over 55 dB(A) at 20 ft on public streets, construction outside the permitted window, animal noise, fireworks for making noise, nighttime garbage collection). Report in-progress disturbances to Apex Police non-emergency at 919-362-8661.
What is the penalty for a noise violation in Apex?
Violations of Chapter 14, Article III are misdemeanors under N.C.G.S. 14-4 - the default penalty for an ordinance violation in North Carolina is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 20 days. The Town may also seek civil penalties and injunctive relief. State-law disorderly conduct (N.C.G.S. 14-159) and the motor vehicle muffler statute (N.C.G.S. 20-128) provide additional charging tools for the police.
Cary FAQ
What are the noise rules in Cary, NC?
Cary prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises under Chapter 22. Ordinary residential and business sounds at usual levels are exempt. The Police Department handles enforcement.
Can I play amplified music outside in Cary?
Amplified sound is regulated under §22-109. It must not unreasonably disturb the peace and comfort of adjacent residences or detrimental affect neighboring businesses.
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