Rehoboth Beach, DE
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Ordinance Summary
Rehoboth Beach, DE's "Noise Control Ordinance" prohibits loud, excessive, or unnecessary noise disturbing reasonable persons. Residential areas use a "plainly audible standard," while commercial areas and construction have decibel limits. Quiet hours generally run from 11 PM to 8 AM, with specific restrictions for construction and amplified sound. Violations incur civil assessments.
Quiet Hours
11PM-8AM (general), 8AM-8PM (landscaping), 8AM-5PM (construction weekdays), 9AM-5PM (construction Saturdays Nov-Apr).
Police Non-Emergency
302-227-2577Decibel Limits
"Residential noise is determined by a "plainly audible standard" from 11 PM to 8 AM. For commercial zoning districts, a decibel meter is used, but specific general limits are not provided in the snippets. Construction noise cannot exceed 94 dBA. Small power equipment, including landscaping tools, shall not exceed 74 dBA and can only be operated between 8 AM and 8 PM."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Rehoboth Beach, DE code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction is generally prohibited between 5 PM and 8 AM the following morning on weekdays. It is not permitted on Sundays or on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Construction is allowed on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM only between November 1 and April 30. Noise levels from construction sites shall not exceed 94 dBA.
Sound trucks are prohibited. Operating sound-amplifying equipment requires a permit from the City Manager and must not unreasonably disturb the peace. Outdoor use of musical instruments or sound-producing devices in residential districts is prohibited after 11 PM or before 8 AM.
No person shall keep any animal that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity; this is considered a civil offense. Dogs are prohibited from the beach and boardwalk from May 1 through September 30. A leash law and 'pooper scooper' law are enforced.
No person operating a motor vehicle, vehicle, or bicycle shall play any radio, stereo system, or musical device at a volume that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
11PM-8AM (general), 8AM-8PM (landscaping), 8AM-5PM (construction weekdays), 9AM-5PM (construction Saturdays Nov-Apr)..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: 302-227-2577.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Rehoboth Beach, DE
SolvedBest Gear for Rehoboth Beach, DE Residents
Ultrasonic Bark Control
Humane deterrent that emits a high-frequency sound when it detects barking.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
The "gold standard" for sleeping. Reduces noise by 24dB without the pain of foam plugs.
1/2" Thick Rug Pad
Essential for the "80% Rule." Adds density to rugs to absorb footfall impact noise for downstairs neighbors.
Hemp Calming Chews
Natural relief for dog anxiety. Perfect for separation anxiety barking or fear of fireworks.
ThunderShirt for Dogs
The best solution for anxiety-induced barking (fireworks, thunder, separation).
Marpac Dohm Classic
The original fan-based machine. Unlike digital loops, this creates real rushing air sound.
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