Draft Amplified Sound Limits Presented to Council

Late night music outside your favorite restaurant may get some more specific guidelines if an ordinance amendment presented to Council passes.

The changes factors in concerns raised by businesses and neighbors about commercial amplified entertainment, especially when that amplified sound resonates outdoors. Working with Sound City Planning, staff proposed three categories of decibel limits that vary based on the time of day and day of the week:

• for Glenwood South,
• for the remainder of the city, and
• for venues outside Glenwood South that obtain a permit.

The proposal differentiates between dB(A) - normal conversation - and dB(C) - deeper sounds like a thumping bass.

The recommendations (below) incorporate input from neighbors, businesses, an online survey, and City staff. Sound City also spent time in Raleigh listening to neighborhood hotspots to understand the specific concerns raised.

The Raleigh Police Department plans to add two non-sworn staff to monitor noise throughout the city. Violations result in a civil complaint, which carries a $1,500 penalty for three or more violations. A fourth violation means that no outdoor sound equipment will be allowed for 18 months.

The Council will hold a public hearing on the draft ordinance at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14. The ordinance will then go through a second reading on Oct. 21.

This proposal follows a July 1 direction from Council to assess the current ordinance and provide suggestions for managing amplified sound. The proposed changes only apply to amplified sound from commercial establishments. Current rules continue to apply to all other noise.

The proposed changes only apply to amplified sound from commercial establishments. Current rules continue to apply to all other noise.

Proposed Sound Limits

Note: Between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. citywide, amplified sound should not be plainly audible from 25 feet.