Raleigh has enacted a new noise ordinance. Photo: Kane Realty
The Raleigh City Council passed new noise ordinance rules Tuesday as part of an effort to deal with rising complaints from residents about its nightlife districts.
Why it matters: The new rules, written with the help of Austin, Texas-based Sound City Planning, carve out special rules for the Glenwood South district.
The city hopes the rules tamp down on the worst noise offenders without harming business in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Business owners, however, have said they have been frustrated by the city's changing noise standards, with previous rules using a "reasonable person" standard rather than decibels.
Zoom in: The new rules, which go into effect Jan. 1, set the highest limit for the city at 70 decibels at higher frequencies and 75 decibels at lower frequencies from 10am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
With a permit, noises of up to 80 decibels at higher frequencies and 88 decibels at lower frequencies would be allowed.
However, the Glenwood South neighborhood would be allowed to be higher, with the highest level being up to 82 decibels at the highest frequencies or 92 decibels at the lowest frequencies on weekends.
Threat level: For businesses that have three or more violations within 12 months, they could be assessed a $1,500 fine.
Four or more violations could lead to a business being barred from using outdoor sound equipment for 18 months.
