Sampson County, NC Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Sampson County Code § 4-6-03(2) exempts construction operations from the county's general noise prohibition only during set hours: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. The exemption applies whether a building permit has been issued or is not required, but it is conditioned on the equipment being operated according to the manufacturer's specifications, with all standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition. The ordinance defines 'construction' broadly to include site preparation, assembly, erection, repair, alteration or similar action, including demolition of buildings or structures, so the hours apply to demolition and site work as well as building.

Because this is an exception rather than a separate hours-based ban, construction noise that runs outside the 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekday window or the 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekend window loses its exemption and is judged under the general prohibition in § 4-6-02, which bars any loud, raucous and disturbing noise that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity. The exemption can also be lost if the equipment lacks proper mufflers or noise-reducing equipment even during permitted hours. Enforcement follows § 4-6-05, allowing a law enforcement or animal control officer to cite the responsible contractor or property owner.