Noise Ordinances in Surry County, NC (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Surry County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Construction Hours
Surry County bars erecting, excavating, demolishing, altering or repairing a building between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential areas, or between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. everywhere else, under § 132.01(B)(4). An urgent public-safety exception needs a County Manager permit, renewable in three-day increments while the emergency lasts.
Surry County Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsSurry County Code § 132.01(B)(4)
(4) Building operations. The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration or repair of any building in a residential area between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any day or in any district other than a residential area between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any day, except in the case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit...
Barking Dogs
Surry County treats a dog, other animal or bird that howls, yelps or barks frequently or habitually as a loud and disturbing noise violation under § 132.01(B)(1) if it seriously disturbs a neighbor's quiet, comfort or repose. A first citation carries a $100 civil penalty, rising to $300 for a repeat within one year.
Surry County Barking Dog Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsSurry County Code § 132.01(B)(1)
(1) Pets and animals. The keeping, possessing or harboring of any dog, other animal or bird(s) which, by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking or other natural sound, causes an unreasonably loud noise and produces serious annoying disturbance to the quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities residing in the vicinity; ... A violation of this section by a...
Leaf Blower Rules
Surry County's noise ordinance exempts lawn mowers and landscape maintenance equipment, including leaf blowers, from its general noise ban only when used between daybreak and 9:00 p.m. and fitted with the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in proper working order. Equipment run outside that window, or without a functioning muffler, loses the exemption and can be cited as unreasonably loud, disturbing noise under Chapter 132.
Landscape Equipment Noise Hours in Surry County
Light RestrictionsSurry County Code § 132.02(G)
(A) Subject to the provisions set out below, the creation of any unreasonably loud and disturbing noise in the county is prohibited. Noise of such character, intensity and duration so as to be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities is prohibited. ... § 132.02 EXCEPTIONS. The following are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... (G) ...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Playing a radio, TV, instrument or amplifier loudly enough to disturb a neighbor, especially between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., violates § 132.01(B)(2). Commercial loud speakers or amplifiers mounted on trucks or vehicles for advertising are banned outright under § 132.01(B)(5), except for auctions during normal business hours.
Surry County Amplified Sound Rules
Some RestrictionsSurry County Code § 132.01(B)(2), (B)(5)
(2) Music and voice transmission. The playing of any radio, television, phonograph, tape or CD player or any musical instrument or appliance (amplified or otherwise) in such manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities residing in any dwelling,...
Vehicle Noise
Surry County's noise chapter bans operating any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, overloaded or driven in a way that creates loud, unreasonable grating, grinding, rattling or other noise, under § 132.01(B)(6). Vehicles running standard manufacturer mufflers and noise-reducing equipment are exempt under § 132.02(E).
Surry County Vehicle Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSurry County Code § 132.01(B)(6)
(6) Vehicles. The use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or operated in such a manner as to create loud unreasonable grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. ... Noises coming from the normal operation of properly equipped motor vehicles; provided that, the manufacturer’s standard mufflers and noise reducing equipment are in place. Excluded from this...
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