Wayne County, NC Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Continuous sound cap
- 90 decibels
- Intermittent sound cap
- 90 decibels
- Measurement point
- beyond property line
- Right-of-way distance
- 100 feet
- Meter height
- 3 to 10 feet above grade
- Enforcing agency
- Sheriff's Office
Summary
Unincorporated Wayne County caps noise at 90 decibels under County Code § 30-150: continuous sound cannot exceed 90db for more than one minute in any ten-minute period, and intermittent sound is held to the same 90db ceiling, measured by the Sheriff's Office with a certified sound level meter.
The maximum permissible noise level limits for continuous sound is 90 decibels. (1)No person shall operate or cause to be operated any source of continuous sound from any use in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits of 90db more than one minute of any ten minute period unless excepted in section 30-149.(2)For any source of sound, the maximum intermittent sound level shall not exceed 90db.
Full Breakdown
Section 30-150 sets the county's only numeric noise ceiling: continuous sound cannot exceed 90 decibels for more than one minute of any ten-minute period, and any intermittent sound source is likewise capped at a 90db maximum, unless the source falls under one of the exceptions listed in § 30-149, such as farm equipment, permitted festivals, emergency vehicles or aircraft. Section 30-151 spells out how a reading is taken: a trained agent of the Sheriff's Office uses a certified sound level meter from any point beyond the property line where the noise originates, or from 100 feet if the source sits within a public right-of-way, with the meter held between three and ten feet above grade.
A resident who believes the 90db limit is being exceeded reports it to the Sheriff's Office under § 30-152, which investigates and may issue a written warning or civil citation, or pursue criminal process. 00 delinquency charge if a fine goes unpaid past ten days.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 90db limit draws a written warning on the first detection, then escalating civil citations of $50.00, $100.00, $250.00 and $500.00 for reoccurring detections within a year, plus a $50.00 delinquency charge for late payment. The Sheriff's Office can also pursue criminal prosecution as a misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4 or seek an injunction for persistent violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 90 decibels the limit everywhere in the county?
How is the 90db limit measured?
What if the noise is loud for less than a minute?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wayne County
Compare Wayne County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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