Asheville, NC Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 10-86(7)
- Requires
- City special event permit
- Equipment condition
- Per manufacturer spec, noise-reducing gear on
- Effect
- Exempts production sound from Sec. 10-85
- Adopted by
- Ord. No. 4390 (7-27-21)
Summary
Asheville's noise ordinance excuses sound from a film or video shoot covered by a city special event permit, but only if the production's equipment runs to manufacturer specifications and keeps its standard noise-reducing gear in place, under Sec. 10-86(7).
(7) Sound emanating from film and video production activities for which special event permits have been issued by the city; provided all equipment are operated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and with all standard noise reducing equipment in place and in proper condition;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-5: Contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 5245, passed 7-28-2026 | State legislation current through 2025 A.L.S. #3).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 10, Article IV bans amplified sound aimed at neighboring property and other listed sources under Sec. 10-85, but Sec. 10-86 lists twelve exceptions to that article. Clause (7) removes "sound emanating from film and video production activities for which special event permits have been issued by the city" from the ban, so a permitted shoot is not cited for its on-set sound. " A production without the city's special event permit, or one running unmaintained or unmuffled equipment, forfeits the exception and is judged under the general prohibitions of Sec.
" The exception sits beside others carved out for government construction (clause 2), permitted construction under Sec. 10-87 (clause 3), and permitted fireworks displays (clause 8), showing the city treats production noise as one of several permitted, time-limited activities rather than banning it. The current framework dates to Ord. No. 4390, adopted 7-27-21.
Violations & Fines
Losing the exception, because the special event permit lapses or was never obtained, or because equipment is not maintained to manufacturer specification or lacks standard noise-reducing gear, exposes a production to the general prohibitions of Sec. 10-85. Chapter 10's noise article does not create a separate fine schedule for this exception; a lapsed production is enforced the same as any other unauthorized noise source under the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a film shoot need a separate noise permit in Asheville?
Can a production run loud generators or PA equipment under the exception?
What happens if a production doesn't get the special event permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Asheville
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