Asheville, NC
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Asheville, NC.
Ordinance Summary
Asheville, NC's noise ordinance, updated in September 2021, employs objective decibel limits for Central Business (CBD) and Commercial districts, alongside a "noise disturbance standard" for residential areas. It defines specific quiet hours and regulates construction, amplified sound, animals, and vehicles. Violations can result in civil penalties.
Quiet Hours
The city defines general 'nighttime hours' as 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For enforcement in Central Business (CBD) and Commercial districts, specific sound level limits apply: Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) and Nighttime (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thu in CBD; 10 PM - 7 AM Sun-Thu in Commercial; 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat in CBD; 11 PM - 7 AM Fri-Sat in Commercial), with a 'Late Night' period (2 AM - 7 AM) in CBD only. Residential areas use a 'noise disturbance standard' without fixed quiet hours.
Police Non-Emergency
(828) 252-1110Decibel Limits
"Decibel limits are measured as a one-minute average (Leq1) from the receiver's property. The Central Business District (CBD) has distinct limits: Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) 72 dBA; Nighttime (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thu; 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat) 67 dBA; Late Night (2 AM - 7 AM) 62 dBA. A reduction of five decibels applies for pure tone, continuous, cyclically varying, or repetitive impulsive sounds."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Asheville, NC code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Restricted to 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday within 500 feet of a residential district. After-hours permits are required for work outside these times from the building inspector.
Defined as sound increased in volume by electrical power. Sound Exceedance Permits are required for activities exceeding decibel limits in CBD/Commercial districts, with events generally restricted to 10 AM - 10 PM (Sun-Thu) and 10 AM - 11 PM (Fri-Sat). Busking (street performing) is prohibited after 10 PM.
A 'noise disturbance' includes unreasonably loud and raucous sounds from animals, such as repeated or continuous barking/howling, which endangers health/safety or disturbs a reasonable person.
Vehicle exhaust/revving and loud speakers are common sources of noise complaints. Motorized vehicles are defined, and prohibitions for certain high-level noise polluting devices were proposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
The city defines general 'nighttime hours' as 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For enforcement in Central Business (CBD) and Commercial districts, specific sound level limits apply: Daytime (7 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thu; 7 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat) and Nighttime (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thu in CBD; 10 PM - 7 AM Sun-Thu in Commercial; 11 PM - 2 AM Fri-Sat in CBD; 11 PM - 7 AM Fri-Sat in Commercial), with a 'Late Night' period (2 AM - 7 AM) in CBD only. Residential areas use a 'noise disturbance standard' without fixed quiet hours..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: (828) 252-1110.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Asheville, NC
SolvedBest Gear for Asheville, NC Residents
Ultrasonic Bark Control
Humane deterrent that emits a high-frequency sound when it detects barking.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
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