Introduction
- Click here to review Asheville’s noise ordinance.
- Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.
- Click here for information about the Noise Advisory Board.
Submit a Noise Complaint
Click here for information about filing a noise complaint.
01/01/25: Noise disturbances that are generated from TS Helene-related sources will be reviewed and investigated on an individual basis. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this period.
Request Assistance with Measuring Your Business’ Sound Levels
To assist local businesses and organizations with proactively managing noise from common operational activities, the City of Asheville’s Noise Compliance Team offers on-site technical assistance to determine decibel (dBA) levels.
Click here to submit a request for technical assistance and a Noise Compliance team member will contact you to set up an in-person appointment to measure on-site sound levels at your business or organization.
Apply for a Sound Exceedance Permit
Beginning September 15, 2021, an annual Sound Exceedance permit is required for any activity on private property in Asheville’s Central Business District and Commercial districts that exceeds the following sound level 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 |
Sound levels are typically measured from a receiver’s property in the proximity of where the sound is being received using the A-weighting scale on an ANSI Class 1 or 2 sound level meter set on slow response for an interval of one minute (Leq1). Sound level limits reflect a one minute average (Leq1), not a single maximum level (Lmax) reading.
A Sound Exceedance permit cannot be issued for:
- Property in a residential district;
- Property in an industrial district;
- Events held on city-owned public property, like a public park, that require a Outdoor Special Event (OSE) permit; or
- Property located 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 sound exceedance events/year ($100 for annual permit)
Type 2: 3 – 8 sound exceedance events/year ($200 for annual permit)
Type 3: 9 – 30 sound exceedance events/year* ($500 for annual permit)
* Available for permitted Performance Centers only
Sound Exceedance events must adhere to the following conditions:
- Cannot occur outside the following times:
- Sun – Thu: 10 am – 10 pm
- Fri – Sat : 10 am – 11 pm
- Cannot exceed 8 hours sound exceedance/event
- Cannot exceed 85 dBA (average of 1 minute reading) measured from a neighboring property with an occupied dwelling unit
Applications for sound exceedance permits can be submitted and paid for online at www.develop.ashevillenc.gov. Click here for additional information.
Contact Information
Contact the Noise Compliance Division at noise@ashevillenc.gov.