Durham, NC Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Durham regulates noise in Article II of Chapter 26. Section 26-23(a) makes it unlawful to make, permit, continue or cause any unreasonably loud and disturbing noise, defined as noise substantially incompatible with the time and location that creates actual or imminent interference with peace or good order. Time of day, distance to homes, volume, and whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant are all weighed.

The quiet-hours language sits in § 26-23(b)(2). Playing a radio, phonograph or musical instrument with enough volume to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of people in any dwelling, hotel or other residence is a named violation, with the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. singled out. Under § 26-23(b)(8), erecting (including excavating), demolishing, altering, repairing or exterior-cleaning a building in a residential or business district is limited to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and the code defines weekdays as every day except Sunday. The city manager can issue a permit for emergency work or continuous operations outside those hours and days.

The measurable standard is in § 26-23(d). No one can cause, produce or allow mechanically or electronically produced or amplified sound that exceeds the limits when measured at any point beyond the boundary of the property it comes from, unless a permit under the City Code or state or federal authority covers it. Nighttime, defined as 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., is capped at 50 dB(A). Daytime and evening, after 8:00 a.m. and before 11:00 p.m., is capped at 60 dB(A). Readings use a sound level meter with "A" frequency weighting that meets American National Standards Institute specifications.

Section 26-23(e) exempts safety signals and warning devices, authorized emergency vehicles, permitted temporary activities that stay within their permit limits, aircraft, and properly muffled motor vehicles, lawnmowers and agricultural equipment operated between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Chimes from public or religious facilities are exempt if each sound lasts under 15 minutes and happens no more than three times a day. Unamplified music at Durham Central Park is exempt from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Section 26-24 separately bars radios, amplifiers and similar devices aimed at public streets or neighbors, except at licensed real estate auctions. The current § 26-23 reflects amendment by Ord. No. 15946 on 6-6-2022.