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

Sec. 16-51 declares loud and raucous noise a public nuisance countywide, defined as sound that, by its volume, duration and character, annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities or interferes seriously with neighbors' use and enjoyment of their property. Sec. 16-52(1) specifically prohibits using any mechanical or electrical device, apparatus or instrument to amplify, intensify or reproduce the human voice or any other sound when it is of such character, intensity and duration that it annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of reasonable persons.

Sec. 16-52(4) separately bars playing a radio, cassette player, CD player, phonograph or other sound-producing instrument at a volume that creates loud and raucous noise disturbing a dwelling, motel or hotel. Exemptions under Sec. 16-53 cover permanently installed loudspeakers at transit stations and stadiums, religious chimes and bells, emergency vehicles, construction and landscaping equipment with standard mufflers in use, and county-sanctioned parades and festivals. A person who wants temporary relief can apply in writing to the sheriff for a permit under Sec. 16-54, valid for up to 15 consecutive days, with the sheriff balancing hardship to the applicant against the impact on others; denials can be appealed to the county manager and then the board of commissioners.