Noise Last updated or reviewed on April 13, 2026 Asheville has a noise ordinance to protect residents from loud sounds that lower their quality of life. The City’s Compliance Division administers these rules and handles noise problems. Helpful Resources Read the Noise Ordinance: See the full list of rules and what counts as a violation. Common Questions: Find quick answers to frequently asked questions. Noise Advisory Board: Learn about the group that helps review noise issues. Street Performer Rules: Read the guidelines for people playing music or performing in public (busking). How to Report a Noise Problem If you have a noise complaint, you can submit it through the Asheville App. Before you submit, Click here for information about filing a noise complaint. For emergencies: If a situation feels unsafe, please call 911 Avoiding Noise Complaints The City of Asheville’s Noise Compliance Team wants to help local businesses manage sound before it becomes a problem. We offer on-site help to measure your noise levels in decibels (dBA). Click here to request noise measurement help and a team member will contact you to set up an appointment to measure on-site sound levels. Sound Exceedance Permit Do you plan to have activities on private property that will be louder than the city’s limits? If your business is in the Central Business District or a Commercial District, you may need an Annual Sound Exceedance Permit. You must apply for this permit if your sound goes over these limits: Sound Level Limits Daytime Su – Th: 7 am – 10 pm F – S: 7 am – 11 pm Nighttime Su – Th: 7 am – 10 pm F – S: 7 am – 11 pm Late Night CBD only 2 am – 7 am Central Business District 72 dBA 67 dBA 62 dBA Commercial District 65 dBA 57 dBA We measure noise from the property where the sound is heard. To do this, we use a special tool called a sound level meter. How It Works: The Tool: We use a high-quality meter (ANSI Class 1 or 2) that listens to sound the same way the human ear does. The Time: We record the sound for one minute. The Result: Our limits are based on the average sound level over that full minute. We do not use the single loudest moment (the “max level”) to decide if a sound is too noisy. Key Terms to Know Term What it Means Leq1 The average sound level over 1 minute. Lmax The single loudest noise recorded. Slow Response A setting that helps the meter stay steady instead of jumping around. A Sound Exceedance permit cannot be issued if the property is: In a residential area In an industrial area City property, like a public park. These require a Outdoor Special Event (OSE) permit. Outside of city limits. An annual permit applies for events held during the calendar year between January 1 – December 31. Those who wish to host activity that will exceed these sound level limits on an applicable property should apply for one of the following types of annual Sound Exceedance permit: Type 1: 1 – 2 events/year ($100 for annual permit) Type 2: 3 – 8 events/year ($200 for annual permit) Type 3: 9 – 30 events/year* ($500 for annual permit) Type 3 are available for permitted Performance Centers only Rules for Your Event: Sound events cannot happen outside the following times: Sun – Thu: 10 am – 10 pm Fri – Sat : 10 am – 11 pm Cannot have noise last longer than 8 hours per event Cannot have noise go over 85 dBA when measured from a neighbor’s home. How to Apply: Visit the Development Portal to submit an online application. Still Have Questions? Contact the Noise Compliance Division at noise@ashevillenc.gov.
