New Hanover County, NC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Sec. 23-34 addresses noise the county can prove without a sound-level meter reading, unlike the numeric decibel ceilings in Sec. 23-33. Subsection (a) states plainly that a decibel reading is not necessary to prove a violation of this section. Subsection (b)(5) then makes it unlawful to play any sound-magnifying device, radio, television, phonograph, amplifier system, tape deck, tape recorder, or musical instruments in such a manner or with such volume as to create vibrations that annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonably prudent person.

Unlike the construction and lawn-equipment curfews in the same subsection, this ban on amplified sound is not tied to a clock: it can be cited at any hour if the volume or resulting vibration disturbs a reasonably prudent neighbor. The article's general exceptions in Sec. 23-36 exempt emergency operations and aircraft at the county airport, but do not exempt private amplified music or PA systems. Sec. 23-39 makes a property owner responsible for repeat violations by a tenant once the sheriff's office or county attorney's office has given the owner written notice of a prior citation, though only civil, not criminal, penalties attach to the owner for a tenant's conduct. The rule applies only within unincorporated New Hanover County; Wilmington and the beach towns enforce it under their own municipal codes.