Chapter 92: Noise, of the Wake County Code of Ordinances, establishes the standards for noise control within the unincorporated regions of Wake County. These standards were amended and approved by the Board on Dec. 4, 2023. You can view the amended noise ordinance by clicking the button below. These amendments went into effect on Jan. 4, 2024.
Please note: This ordinance does not apply to municipalities and areas inside town limits.
Addressing a Noise Issue
The County encourages residents to consider the following alternatives before reporting a noise ordinance violation:
- Contact your neighbor directly and/or seek alternative means of dispute resolution.
- Review your community agreements, if applicable, and contact a representative as appropriate. There may be a process in place to address issues of excessive noise or an option for your neighborhood association to act as an agent in resolving the conflict.
The following resource is a good tool for guiding noise related conversations and resolution:
Reporting a Violation
If you suspect a violation and have not had success addressing the issue directly, it may be time to report your complaint. Follow the guide below to determine whom to call based on the type of noise nuisance.
Jurisdiction
All noise enforcement violations addressed in the Wake County Noise Ordinance are only applicable to the unincorporated areas of Wake County. If you wish you file a noise complaint in a city or town, you will need to refer to the noise ordinance for your local jurisdiction and contact the appropriate enforcement agency.
FAQs
The document below contains the answers to common resident questions.