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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Greensboro, 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: 23:00-07:00 (outdoor amplified sound prohibited; residential dB(C) limits also apply at all hours)
Weekends/holidays: 23:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: Residential districts: 07:00-18:00; other districts: 07:00-22:00 (building operations outside those windows are prohibited).
Construction weekends: Residential districts: 07:00-18:00; other districts: 07:00-22:00 (same rules apply any day).
Greensboro caps residential noise at 70 dB(C) day / 65 dB(C) night (07:00-23:00 / 23:00-07:00) and bans outdoor amplified sound 23:00-07:00 with limited holiday exceptions. See Code of Ordinances Ch. 18, Art. IV.
Residential quiet hours
23:00-07:00 (outdoor amplified sound prohibited; residential dB(C) limits also apply at all hours)
Weekends & holidays: 23:00-07:00
Decibel limits
70 dBA daytime / 65 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
Residential districts: 07:00-18:00; other districts: 07:00-22:00 (building operations outside those windows are prohibited).
Weekends: Residential districts: 07:00-18:00; other districts: 07:00-22:00 (same rules apply any day).
Lawn equipment
No specific set hours; devices must avoid unreasonable noise and comply with the residential dB(C) limits.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Outdoor amplified sound is unlawful 23:00-07:00 (exceptions allow up to 70 dB(C) at certain restaurants to 02:00); vehicle stereos plainly audible at 30 ft are prohibited.
Typical fines
For outside sound-producing activities: warning, then $200, then $350; repeated violations can be $500 and subject to injunctive relief. Other sections enforced per ordinance.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Greensboro Police Department non-emergency (for disturbances) or City Code Compliance (online) for possible ordinance violations. 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.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/executive/code-compliance/report-possible-violations or call Greensboro Police Department non-emergency (for disturbances) or City Code Compliance (online) for possible ordinance violations. 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 there - Greensboro's ordinance prohibits outdoor amplified sound after 11 p.m., and residential limits drop to 65 dB(C) overnight. Could you lower the volume late tonight? Much appreciated.
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We are experiencing recurring nighttime noise that appears to exceed Greensboro's Chapter 18, Article IV standards (outdoor amplification after 11 p.m. or residential dB(C) limits). Could you remind tenants and help address it? Happy to share a brief log and clips.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If the issue is outdoor amplified sound after 23:00, note whether it is a restaurant or bar and the measured or estimated loudness; certain venues have a 70 dB(C) allowance to 02:00.
- Construction in residential districts is barred after 18:00; capture dates, times, and site address.
- For immediate disturbances, call GPD non-emergency at 336-373-2222; for ongoing issues, file online with Code Compliance and include photos or video.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.