Raleigh has new limits on nightlife noise starting on Jan. 1. Here’s what to know.

Starting on Jan. 1, the city of Raleigh will have new limits on noise for bars, clubs and restaurants.

The Raleigh City Council approved changes to the city’s noise ordinance in October, opting to institute decibel limits rather than the current “reasonable person” standard, which does not include specific measurements.

Here’s what to know about how the city will enforce noise rules in the coming year:

Where do the rules apply?

The changes to the noise ordinance apply only to commercial establishments and vary depending on the location and time.

Generally, the ordinance aims to restrict loud noises in the early hours of the morning, with some leeway on weekends.

The Glenwood South area, a hospitality district that is home to much of the city’s nightlife, will have higher decibel limits than the rest of the city.

However, businesses outside the Glenwood South area can also apply for a permit for higher decibel levels.

What level of noise is allowed?

The ordinance distinguishes between two types of decibel levels at higher and lower frequencies.

The ordinance generally permits a higher decibel level from deep sounds, such as thumping bass, and a lower decibel level from people’s voices.

The highest decibel level allowed will be 92 decibels of deep sound from 10 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in Glenwood South. For reference, the noise from a garbage disposal is roughly 80 decibels.

How will the ordinance be enforced?

Using the Ask Raleigh portal, community members can submit noise complaints beginning on Jan. 1.

The complaints go directly to Raleigh Police, which will dispatch a code enforcement unit to the location, according to a city press release.

Businesses cited for violating the noise ordinance three or more times will be assessed a civil penalty of $1,500.

A fourth violation would lead to a ban on outdoor sound equipment for 18 months.

A police department spokesperson on Monday said the city would release more information about the noise ordinance before Jan. 1.

Kyle Ingram

The News & Observer

Kyle Ingram is the Democracy Reporter for the News & Observer. He reports on voting rights, election administration, the state judicial branch and more. He is a graduate of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill.