Cary, NC Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed days
- Weekdays only
- Allowed hours
- 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Noise cap
- 80 dB(A)
- Equipment rule
- Manufacturer's mufflers intact
Summary
Cary exempts generator maintenance from its noise ordinance only on weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., under 80 dB(A), with the manufacturer's mufflers intact.
Emergency work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an existing or imminent peril. This emergency exception includes maintenance...strictly necessary to keep emergency equipment, such as generators, in operating order as prescribed by the manufacturer, provided such maintenance is done only on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., sounds created do not exceed 80 dB(A), and the equipment has all the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment intact.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
The Town of Cary's noise ordinance exempts generator maintenance from its general noise rules only under tight conditions. Under Code § 22-105(1), keeping emergency equipment such as generators in operating order is exempt from the noise article's limits only when the work happens on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the sound created does not exceed 80 dB(A), and the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment remain intact. Miss any condition and the general noise prohibition in Sec. 22-102 applies instead.
Violations & Fines
Generator noise outside these conditions falls under the general noise prohibition of Sec. 22-102, drawing a civil penalty starting at $100 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for repeat violations within a year (Sec. 22-112).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test or maintain a home generator anytime in Cary?
What if my generator maintenance exceeds 80 dB(A)?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
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How other cities in Wake County handle generator noise.