Playing any radio, phonograph, or musical instrument loudly enough to annoy or disturb residents — particularly between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. — is a prohibited noise in Durham. Outdoor amplified music must also stay under the 60 dB(A) daytime / 50 dB(A) night caps.
Sec. 26-23(b)(2) prohibits playing any radio, phonograph, or musical instrument 'in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence.' For outdoor and amplified music, the numeric caps in Sec. 26-23(d) — 60 dB(A) day, 50 dB(A) night at the property line — apply, and Sec. 26-24 separately bars casting radio or amplifier sound onto public streets to attract attention. Permitted festivals and events are exempt within permit limits.
Disturbing music is a Class 3 misdemeanor with up to a $50 fine (Sec. 1-9); repeat calls and continuing nighttime music can each be cited separately.
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See how Durham County's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
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