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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Charlotte, North Carolina
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 21:00-07:00 (construction machinery prohibited at night; entertainment venues have specific dBC caps by time and day)
Weekends/holidays: 21:00-07:00 (same; entertainment caps differ Friday and Saturday nights)
Construction weekdays: 07:00-21:00 (operation of construction machinery prohibited 21:00-07:00).
Construction weekends: 07:00-21:00 (same; exceptions for City crews or contractors for safety or to avoid utility disruption).
Charlotte's ordinance (amended 2019) uses a reasonable-person standard plus venue dBC caps measured at the commercial property line: 85 dBC by day and 60 dBC at night (timing varies by day). Construction machinery is not allowed 21:00-07:00. See the City's Noise Ordinance page.
Residential quiet hours
21:00-07:00 (construction machinery prohibited at night; entertainment venues have specific dBC caps by time and day)
Weekends & holidays: 21:00-07:00 (same; entertainment caps differ Friday and Saturday nights)
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-21:00 (operation of construction machinery prohibited 21:00-07:00).
Weekends: 07:00-21:00 (same; exceptions for City crews or contractors for safety or to avoid utility disruption).
Lawn equipment
Generally restricted 21:00-07:00 per time-of-day limits; otherwise subject to the reasonable-person standard.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Commercial or outdoor amplification measured at the source property line: Sunday-Thursday 08:00-21:00 <=85 dBC, 21:00-02:00 <=60 dBC; Friday-Saturday 08:00-23:00 <=85 dBC, 23:00-02:00 <=60 dBC.
Typical fines
$100 first offense; $500 second (within 1 year); $1,000 third+ (within 1 year). Chronic producers may face mitigation plans and additional sanctions.
First offense: ~$100 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 or 704-336-7600; CMPD responds to noise calls; use 911 if an active nuisance is occurring. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.charlottenc.gov/City-Government/City-Codes-Ordinances/Noise-Ordinances or call 311 or 704-336-7600; CMPD responds to noise calls; use 911 if an active nuisance is occurring. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi neighbor ??? Charlotte restricts construction tools and other loud activities after 9 p.m. We've been hearing [describe noise] around [times]. Could we keep it down after 9 p.m.? Thank you!
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we're experiencing recurring noise that appears to violate Charlotte's noise rules (construction not allowed 9 p.m.-7 a.m.; venue dBC caps by time and day). Please remind tenants/contractors and help resolve this; we have logged dates/times and can share recordings.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Charlotte ??? Noise Ordinance (amended 2019)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- For venues or bars, note whether measurements would be at the commercial property line; timing affects the dBC cap.
- Construction noise after 21:00 is generally prohibited; if it's City utility or safety work, note the crew and project.
- Report via 311 with dates/times and whether bass components were prominent (the ordinance accounts for low-frequency energy).
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.