CHAPTER 14.04:
Noise
Section
ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.04.020 Unlawful noises enumerated
14.04.030 Produced noises allowed
ARTICLE II. NONCOMMERCIAL SOUND VEHICLES
14.04.050 Commercial advertising prohibited
ARTICLE III. PENALTY
Prior legislation:
Prior Code, Title 14, § 1; Ord. passed 4-10-1991
ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.04.010 PUBLIC POLICY.
It is hereby declared, as a matter of public policy of the City, as follows:
(A) That the creation of loud noises of various kinds within the City may constitute a public nuisance;
(B) That the creation of loud noises over a prolonged period may be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City;
(C) That it may be a necessity to determine the source of the loud noise by public safety employees, and the public may be asked to discontinue the loud noise for the public health of the residents of the City. (Ord. 2026.02, passed 1-20-2026)
14.04.020 UNLAWFUL NOISES ENUMERATED.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise, or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the City, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., unless a special permit has been issued by the Board of Works and Safety.
(A) Horns and signaling devices. The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle in any street or public place of the city, except as a danger warning; the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonable loud or harsh sound; the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time; the use of any signaling device except one operated by hand, air or electricity; the use of any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust; and the continued or repeated use of any such signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up, or in any parade, or in any group of vehicles, or after continuing to do so after being asked to stop such noise.
(B) Radios, loudspeakers, amplifiers and other music producing devices. The reproduction of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighborhood residents or at any time in a motor vehicle either moving or stationary with a louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing shall be a violation of this chapter.
(C) Exhaust. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any internal-combustion engine except through a muffler or other device which will effectively reduce and prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
(D) Defect in vehicle load. The use of any vehicle, so out of repair, or so loaded, in such a manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noises.
(E) Construction activity. When permits are issued by the City for demolition, alteration or repair of any structure, work shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. weekdays, and the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety.
(F) Infrastructure improvements. Any infrastructure improvement work conducted by the City of Southport or their hired agent shall be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Work requested beyond these hours and days will need to be approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety and relayed to the Public Works Supervisor.
(G) Drums and musical instruments. The use of any drum, musical instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by creation of noise to any performance, exhibition, show or sale; except in a parade or place for which a permit has been granted.
(H) Megaphones. The use of a megaphone to cause disruption, anxiety and cause panic, is prohibited unless under the direction of a public safety official. (Ord. 2026.02, passed 1-20-2026)
14.04.030 PRODUCED NOISES ALLOWED.
(A) Bells rang by church or religious institutions are permissible, without time restriction.
(B) Noises produced at school sponsored events on school property are permissible up to 11:00 p.m. (Ord. 2026.02, passed 1-20-2026)
ARTICLE II. NONCOMMERCIAL SOUND VEHICLES
14.04.040 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT. Any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound; such term shall not be construed as including standard automobile radios when used and heard only by occupants of the vehicle in which they are installed, or warning sirens, horns or other devices or authorized emergency vehicles, or horns or other warning devices on other vehicles used only for traffic safety purposes.
SOUND TRUCK. Any motor vehicle or other vehicle having mounted thereon or attached thereto any sound amplifying equipment or device. (Ord. 2026.02, passed 1-20-2026)
14.04.050 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING PROHIBITED.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall operate or cause to be operated any vehicle for commercial advertising purposes at any time or place in the City with the sound-amplifying equipment in operation, unless a special permit has been issued by the Board of Works. (Ord. 2026.02, passed 1-20-2026)
ARTICLE III. PENALTY
14.04.060 PENALTY.
(A) Persons or businesses found guilty of this chapter shall be assessed a fine according to the following structure, per calendar year:
(1) First offense: $75.
(2) Second offense: $500.
(3) Third offense: $2,500.
(4) Each additional offense will be set at $1,500 (at the officer’s discretion) and any fees assessed by the court if found guilty.
(B) Each day a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 2026.02, passed 1-20-2026)