Amplified music rules in Forsyth County, NC — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Forsyth County Code Sec. 15-1 prohibits playing any radio, instrument or amplifying equipment at a volume that disturbs a reasonable resident, especially between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Winston-Salem adopts this citywide and, in designated entertainment districts, sets a 300-foot plainly-audible limit.
County Sec. 15-1(b)(5) makes amplified music or sound-reproduction equipment a violation whenever it disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonable person in any dwelling, with special emphasis on 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. Winston-Salem incorporates the rule via Sec. 46-2. Within a designated "entertainment district," Winston-Salem Sec. 46-7 replaces the general rule with a plainly-audible test: a noise disturbance is presumed where amplified or non-amplified music is plainly audible more than 300 feet from the perimeter of the district. The person responsible for the establishment is liable for violations by tenants or guests.
Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, fine up to $500; establishment operator liable for patrons' violations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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