Charlotte's Noise Ordinance (City Code Chapter 15, Article III) sets numeric decibel limits measured at the property line. Residential zones generally permit 60 dBA daytime (7 a.m.-11 p.m.) and 55 dBA nighttime (11 p.m.-7 a.m.). Commercial and industrial zones have higher limits. CMPD Noise Enforcement handles sound meter readings for chronic complaints.
Chapter 15, Article III of the Charlotte City Code establishes both plainly audible and decibel-based noise standards. Under the decibel standard, sound measured at the receiving property line may not exceed 60 dBA during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) or 55 dBA during nighttime hours (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) in residential districts. Commercial districts allow 65 dBA day/60 dBA night. Industrial districts allow 75 dBA at all times.
Impulsive sounds (those with duration under one second) are measured using a different standard and cannot exceed the applicable limit by more than 10 dB. Pure tones and repetitive impulsive sounds trigger a 5 dB penalty reduction in the allowed limit. Measurements must be taken with a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter meeting ANSI S1.4 standards, held at least four feet above the ground and away from reflecting surfaces.
The plainly audible standard operates in parallel: amplified sound (music, bass, voice) that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the source at night, or at the property line of an adjacent residence at any time, violates the ordinance regardless of decibel level. This standard is used for most enforcement because it does not require a meter.
Enforcement is by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). First violations typically result in a warning, with subsequent citations carrying civil penalties of $100-$500. Chronic commercial violators (bars, event venues, construction sites) may face escalating fines and, for establishments with ABC permits, complaints to the NC ABC Commission.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Charlotte code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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