Winston-Salem, NC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Winston-Salem, 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
- Permit required
- Filed 48 hours in advance
- Daily operating window
- 11:30a-1:30p and 4:30p-6:30p only
- Power limit
- 15 watts, last amplification stage
- Audibility limit
- Not audible beyond 100 feet
- Sundays/holidays
- No operation authorized
Summary
Amplified sound equipment used on Winston-Salem streets, sidewalks, parks or other public areas needs a city permit, is capped at four hours a day within set windows, limited to 15 watts of power, and can't be audible past 100 feet.
(d)Use restrictions generally... (2)Except as otherwise provided, operations are permitted for four hours each day, except on Sundays and legal holidays, when no operations shall be authorized. The permitted four hours of operation shall be between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ... (7)No sound amplifying equipment shall be operated having an excess of 15 watts of power in the last stage of amplification.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
Before running sound amplifying equipment, a sound truck or similar device for noncommercial purposes on any street, sidewalk, mall, public square, playground, park or other city recreational area, the operator must file an application and get a permit from the office of business inclusion and advancement at least 48 hours ahead. Sec. 46-33(d) then caps use at four hours a day, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with none allowed on Sundays or legal holidays, limits amplification to no more than 15 watts of power in the last stage, and requires that the sound not be audible beyond 100 feet from the equipment.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit or outside these limits is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00; the permit itself can also be revoked for a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for amplified music in Winston-Salem's parks or streets?
What hours can amplified sound equipment run in public areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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