Durham, NC Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- City Code § 26-23(d)
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dB(A), 11:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
- Daytime/evening limit
- 60 dB(A), 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
- Measured
- At property boundary with ANSI "A"-weighted meter
- Offense class
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Durham caps mechanically or electronically amplified sound measured at the property line at 50 dB(A) overnight (11:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.) and 60 dB(A) during the day and evening under City Code § 26-23(d). The standard applies on top of the general noise ban and only to amplified sound that isn't authorized by a permit or otherwise exempted.
(d)Particular standards established:(1)In addition to the violations established by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, no person shall cause, produce, or allow any mechanically or electronically produced or amplified sound that: (i) exceeds the levels set out in subsection (d) of this section as such sound is measured at any point beyond the boundary of the property from which the sound emanates, and (ii) is not authorized by a permit issued pursuant to the City Code or state or federal authority; or otherwise exempted from regulation by the exceptions established by subsection (e) of this section;(2)No nighttime (11:00 p.m.—8:00 a.m.) sound level shall exceed 50 dB(A);(3)No daytime or evening (after 8:00 a.m.—before 11:00 p.m.) sound level shall exceed 60 dB(A).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
Section 26-23(d), 'Particular standards established,' is Durham's numeric decibel rule and sits apart from the subjective 'unreasonably loud and disturbing' standard in subsections (a) and (b). It prohibits causing, producing, or allowing 'any mechanically or electronically produced or amplified sound' that exceeds the levels set in the subsection 'as such sound is measured at any point beyond the boundary of the property from which the sound emanates,' unless it is authorized by a permit issued under the City Code or state or federal authority, or falls within the exceptions in subsection (e).
' The code defines 'decibel' as a measured unit equal to 20 times the base-ten logarithm of the ratio of measured sound pressure to a 20-micronewton-per-square-meter reference, taken with a sound level meter using the 'A' frequency-weighting network specified by the American National Standards Institute. , none of those exempted sounds count against the 50/60 dB(A) caps.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 50 dB(A) nighttime or 60 dB(A) daytime limit is a misdemeanor under Sec. 26-23(f), the same violations clause that covers the rest of the section, 'in addition to any other remedy available in the Code.' Because the standard is measured at the property boundary with a calibrated sound level meter, enforcement typically requires an officer to take a reading rather than relying on a complaint alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the actual decibel limit for amplified sound in Durham?
Does this limit apply to all noise, like traffic or lawn equipment?
Can I get a permit to exceed the decibel limit for an event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Durham
Compare Durham to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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