Construction hours in Wake County, NC — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Wake County Code §92.04(A)(3) permits construction equipment to operate only during DAYTIME HOURS (7 a.m. - 11 p.m.) in unincorporated Wake County, and §92.05(H) prohibits plainly audible unreasonable noise from building erection, alteration, repair, demolition, earth moving, paving or utility construction in residential or business districts during nighttime hours (11 p.m. - 7 a.m.).
All equipment must use manufacturer's mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in proper operating condition (§92.04(A)(3)). Four exceptions allow nighttime construction under §92.05(H): (1) the site is 1,000 feet from the nearest residence or business; (2) all residents within 1,000 feet give written permission; (3) the work's nature or federal/state law requires continuous operation; or (4) the work is emergency work or for the preservation of public health or safety. Sound-magnifying devices mounted on vehicles are separately barred between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. or within 500 feet of any school, church or hospital under §92.03(C)(1).
Class 3 misdemeanor under §92.07(D); fine not to exceed $500 and each day is a separate offense. The Wake County Sheriff's Office determines violations and notifies the responsible party; failure to abate after notification is itself a violation under §92.07(C).
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See how Wake County's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.
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