Quiet hours in Wilmington, DE — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Wilmington prohibits noise exceeding 65 dB(A) in residential areas from 7 AM–11 PM and 55 dB(A) from 11 PM–7 AM. Noise that targets a specific residence is separately prohibited.
Chapter 11, Article III (Noise Control and Abatement) of the Wilmington City Code establishes decibel-based noise limits by zoning district. In residential (R-1 through R-5) districts: daytime (7 AM–11 PM) limit is 65 dB(A); nighttime (11 PM–7 AM) limit is 55 dB(A). Any stationary source emitting a pure tone, cyclically varying, or repetitive impulsive sound that exceeds ambient noise by 5 dB(A) is a noise disturbance. A 2024 amendment (Ordinance 0439) added a prohibition on noise disturbances specifically targeting a residence.
Violations of Chapter 11 are subject to civil penalties. Police or code enforcement may issue orders to cease. Fines increase for repeat violations.
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See how Wilmington's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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