Burke County, NC Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Burke County, NC, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Standard
- Unreasonably loud/excessive noise, prima facie at night
- Civil penalty
- $500 by citation
- Late payment penalty
- $100/day up to 15 days
- County section
- Burke County Code § 26-283
Summary
Unincorporated Burke County bars any unreasonably loud or excessive noise at any hour, and treats loud noise made between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or noise continued after actual notice it is disturbing neighbors, as automatic evidence of a violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued, or to create or knowingly assist in creating, any unreasonably loud, excessive noise or sound in the county, taking into consideration the volume, duration, frequency, time and other characteristics of the sound. ... Making such unreasonably loud, excessive noise or sound between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or continuing to make, create or knowingly assist in creating any unreasonably loud, excessive noise or sound after receiving actual knowledge that such noises or sounds are disturbing to persons in the vicinity shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this division.
Full Breakdown
Burke County Code § 26-283, part of Division 2 (Noise) of Chapter 26's nuisance article, makes it unlawful for anyone to make, continue, cause, create, or knowingly assist in creating any unreasonably loud, excessive noise or sound in the county, with volume, duration, frequency, time, and other characteristics all considered. , or continuing such noise after the person has actual knowledge it is disturbing people nearby, is prima facie evidence of a violation of the noise division. window. Sporting events sponsored by the county or its schools are exempt from the whole noise article under § 26-285.
S. S. 153A-123; missing that 72-hour window adds $100 per day for up to 15 more days. Each day of violation counts as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the county's noise curfew is both a misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4 (up to $500 fine or 30 days) and a civil penalty of $500 by citation under § 26-282(b), due within 72 hours; failure to pay and correct the violation in that window adds $100 per day for up to 15 additional days. Each day of continuing violation is a separate offense, and the county may also seek injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Burke County's quiet hours?
Is there a specific decibel limit in unincorporated Burke County?
What is the penalty for violating the county noise ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burke County
How Burke County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Burke County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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