Forsyth County, NC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- General standard
- Disturbs a reasonable person
- Emphasis hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Entertainment-district limit
- Plainly audible beyond 300 feet
- Citations
- County Sec. 15-1; WS Sec. 46-7
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Summary
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.
It shall be unlawful for a commercial establishment within an entertainment district to play, operate, or cause to be played or operated, any amplified or non-amplified musical instrument or sound reproduction device in a manner that causes a noise disturbance... plainly audible... in excess of 300 feet measured from the perimeter of the entertainment district.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, fine up to $500; establishment operator liable for patrons' violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rule in entertainment districts?
Who is liable at a venue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.