Cumberland County, NC Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Cumberland 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
- Nighttime quiet hours
- 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Residential daytime limit
- 60 dB(A), 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Residential night limit
- 55 dB(A), 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Multifamily overnight limit
- 45 dB(A)
- Measured at
- property boundary line
Summary
In Fayetteville, unreasonably loud noise within 100 yards of a home is prohibited 10 p.m.-7 a.m., and residential sound may not exceed 55 dB(A) overnight (60 dB(A) daytime). Cumberland County sets parallel limits for unincorporated areas near Fort Liberty.
Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning within 100 yards of a dwelling unit, house, trailer or other building ordinarily occupied by another person...is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Fayetteville City Code Sec. 17-11(17) bans unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling. Sec. 17-10, Table 1 caps residential sound at 60 dB(A) from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and 55 dB(A) from 10 p.m.-6 a.m., measured at the property line. Multifamily units are limited to 45 dB(A) overnight (Sec. 17-11(12)). Cumberland County Code Sec. 9.5-24 applies the same use-occupancy decibel framework in unincorporated areas. Hospitals, schools, libraries and churches count as residential/noise-sensitive uses.
Violations & Fines
A citation is issued and a civil penalty set by the city council fee schedule is due within 72 hours. Each day is a separate offense; repeat violations within 12 months carry higher penalties (Sec. 17-18).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fayetteville's noise quiet hours?
Does Cumberland County set its own noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cumberland County
How Cumberland County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Cumberland County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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