Quiet hours in Apex, NC — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Apex regulates noise through Chapter 14 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Article III of the Town Code. Sec. 14-31 establishes sound emission standards that are unlawful during 'daytime or nighttime hours' when sound exceeds the maximum decibel limits in Table 1 for more than ten percent of any measuring period. Sec. 14-33 enumerates additional 'other prohibited noises' that are unlawful regardless of meter reading.
The Town of Apex Code of Ordinances is published by Municode at library.municode.com/nc/apex and noise is regulated in Chapter 14 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Article III ('Noise'), Sections 14-30 through 14-33. Sec. 14-30 ('Measuring techniques') requires that sound be measured at least 10 feet inside the boundary of the complainant's property using A-weighted decibels (dB(A)); Sec. 14-31 ('Sound emission standards and limitations') makes it unlawful 'during the daytime or nighttime hours for any person to cause or allow the emission of sound from any source or sources' which exceeds the dB(A) caps in Table 1 for more than ten percent of any measuring period (defined as the length of time required to take 100 readings at consecutive ten-second intervals). Sec. 14-32 ('Exceptions') exempts emergency work, public safety vehicles, and similar activities. Sec. 14-33 ('Other prohibited noises') declares an enumerated list of noises to be unreasonably loud, annoying, frightening, or disturbing - including amplified sound from radios / phonographs / loudspeakers above 55 dB(A) at 20 feet on or over any public street, construction outside the permitted window, animal noise, firearms / fireworks discharged for the purpose of making noise, and garbage / yard waste collection between nighttime hours. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors under N.C.G.S. 14-4 (general penalty for violation of local ordinances). State-law overlays: N.C.G.S. 14-159 (disorderly conduct can include unreasonable noise) and N.C.G.S. 20-128 (motor vehicle muffler requirement). Complaints route to the Apex Police Department non-emergency line at 919-362-8661.
Violations of Chapter 14, Article III are misdemeanors under N.C.G.S. 14-4 (Class 3 misdemeanor by default for ordinance violations, with fines up to $500 and up to 20 days). The Town may also seek civil penalties and injunctive relief. Report in-progress noise to Apex Police non-emergency at 919-362-8661 (24 hours). Repeat or pattern violations may be escalated through Wake County District Court.
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