New rules limiting noise around Raleigh go into effect Jan. 1, following complaints to city leaders from people who live in or near downtown.
The measure has faced pushback from businesses, particularly bars and restaurants, where a noisy late-night crowd can be a sign of financial success.
But Raleigh officials say the city should be able to balance the desires of people who want to be partying into the night with those who would rather be sleeping.
Mayor Janet Cowell told WRAL News, as part of a wide-ranging interview this week, that the new rules are based on those already in place in Austin, Texas — another state capital, with a large public university, that’s well-known for its bars and music venues.
“If Austin can do this, Raleigh can do this,” Cowell said. “And I’m very confident that this new ordinance is going to strike that right balance between allowing this vibrant nightlife scene but also allowing people to sleep.”
The rules were approved in October by the Raleigh City Council but didn’t go into effect until Thursday.
The Glenwood South strip is getting special attention from the city under the new rules. It’s home to a number of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, as well as hotels and apartment buildings.
Throughout most of Raleigh city limits, bars and restaurants will have to turn down the noise by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and by 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. City inspectors could monitor decibel levels to make sure businesses are complying.
But on the main stretch of Glenwood’s nightlife scene — between Hillsborough Street and Peace Street — the city is agreeing to allow higher decibel levels, and allow them to last later into the night.
One man who’s lived there the past three years said it does get pretty noisy, but it’s also not anything that should be a surprise to people who choose to live so close to so many entertainment options.
“It’s expected when you move down here,” Cameron Carawan told WRAL.
But even despite facing less strict noise rules than the rest of the city, some Glenwood South businesses are afraid of what the changes will mean for their business model and bottom line.
“It doesn’t just turn down the music,” Jamar Davis, general manager of the Alchemy nightclub, told the Raleigh City Council in October. “It turns down our ability to pay rent, support our families and keep people employed.”
The new rule gives businesses three strikes to figure things out. The first two times they violate the rules, they’ll receive only a warning, but their third violation will come with a $1,500 fine. Any further violations would lead to more fines, as well as an 18-month ban on using any outside speakers.
Cowell told WRAL that the issue of noise has been one of the top topics during her first year as mayor.
“Maybe one of the surprising things about entering this office was just the whole issue of noise,” she said. “And how do you get the balance right — between a vibrant, dynamic downtown, and residences. We now have 15,000 residents in the downtown area.”
Citywide levels – maximum decibels
- Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.: 70 dB(A) and 75 dB(C)
- Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.: 70 dB(A) and 75 dB(C)
- Starting at 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday: 55 dB(A) and 60 dB(C)
- Starting at 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.: 55 dB(A) and 60 dB(C)
Citywide levels with permit – max decibels
- Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.: Up to 80 c(BA) and 88 d(BC)
- Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Permit can set lower levels
Glenwood South levels – max decibels
- Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.: 80 dB(A) and 88 dB(C)
- Sunday through Thursday 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.: 75 dB(A) and 80 dB(C)
- Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight: 82 dB(A) and 92 dB(C)
- Saturday and Sunday morning, midnight to 2 a.m.: 80 dB(A) and 88 dB(C).
For real time noise response, residents can call the non-emergency line at 818-829-1911 or submit noise complaints through the Ask Raleigh portal.
Complaints submitted through the online portal will be submitted to the Raleigh Police Department, who will send out a code enforcement unit of “non-sworn staff” to the location. Officers will respond to the complaint at a later date.