Greensboro uses C-weighted decibel limits: residential 70/65 dB(C) day/night, commercial 75 dB(C). Four 30-second readings at slow response at the complainant property line.
Greensboro Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 establishes decibel-based noise limits measured on the C-weighting scale. Residential zones are limited to 70 dB(C) during daytime (7 AM-11 PM) and 65 dB(C) during nighttime (11 PM-7 AM). Commercial zones are permitted 75 dB(C). Measurements are taken at or within the nearest residential property line occupied by the complainant, using the C-weighted filter on a sound level meter at slow response. The operator takes four consecutive readings of 30 seconds each. A noise disturbance is presumed to exist where sound exceeds the maximum lawful limits at the property boundary. Acoustic consultants have noted that Greensboro specifies the same limits for all property uses, which may be too high for residential areas when applied to steady continuous sounds. The C-weighting scale gives more emphasis to low-frequency sounds than the A-weighting scale used by many other cities, capturing bass-heavy music and industrial hum more effectively. N.C.G.S. 160A-184 provides the underlying municipal authority.
Exceeding posted dB(C) limits constitutes a presumed noise disturbance. Misdemeanor charges with fines set by court.
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