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How to file a noise complaint in Durham

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Documenting this? A dated log of when the noise started, when it stopped and how loud it got is what Durham acts on. Log noise levels for a complaint — free, runs in your browser, records no audio.

Official text: Code of Ordinances, City of Durham, North Carolina, Part II, Chapter 26 "Environment, Litter, Vandalism and Pollution," Article II "Noise": Sec. 26-23 "Generally" (Code 1964, § 13-17; Code 1982; Ord. No. 6445, 7-23-1984; Ord. No. 6884, 2-17-1986; Ord. No. 11687, 5-17-1999; Ord. No. 15257, 2-19-2018; Ord. No. 15946, 6-6-2022), Sec. 26-24 "Radios and mechanical musical instruments" (Code 1964, § 13-18; Code 1982; Ord. No. 15982, § 57, 8-1-2022) and Sec. 26-25 "Chimes on religious facilities, etc." (Code 1964, § 13-19; Code 1982); with Sec. 1-9 (general penalties), Sec. 6-1 (county animal control ordinances applicable in the city) and Sec. 38-14 (outdoor musical concerts and performances; permit required). Text read on Municode (library.municode.com, the City's code host; Supp. No. 37, Update 1, whose banner reads "Codified through Ordinance No. 16682, enacted June 15, 2020," although Municode's ordinance list files No. 16682 under 2026 and the supplement history runs to ordinances of 6-15-2026; Municode flags none of the 2026 ordinances it lists for Durham as uncodified) on 2026-10-05..

Where to file in Durham

Per durhamnc.gov, Emergency Communications, "Non-Emergency Number": "Durham 911 Center Non-Emergency Number - (919) 560-4600"; the page lists "Barking dogs" and "Loud music" among the calls that should go to that number rather than 911, says all calls to it are received directly into the Durham Emergency Communication Center (DECC) and tracked the same as 911 calls, and adds that anyone in doubt about which number to call should use 911. The Police Department's directory page on durhamnc.gov lists "Emergency: 911" and "Non-Emergency: 919-560-4600 919-560-4601." Article II does not name an enforcing department. Violations of 26-23 and 26-24 are misdemeanors (26-23(f), 26-24), which Sec. 1-9(a) makes Class 3 misdemeanors with a maximum fine of $50.00 (the noise sections state no higher fine) and maximum imprisonment of 20 days; each day's continuing violation is a separate offense (1-9(d)). Organizers of outdoor concerts or performances who want relief from 26-23 and 26-24 apply to the city manager for a permit at least 15 days ahead (38-14(b), (d)). Sources: https://www.durhamnc.gov/437/Non-Emergency-Number and https://www.durhamnc.gov/Directory.aspx?DID=4.

From the city's official pages and code, verified 2026-10-05. Numbers and departments change; if a line does not answer, the city's main switchboard or 311 can redirect you.

Before you call

1. Log it. Date, start and end time, what the noise was and where you heard it from. Three dated entries carry more weight than one angry call.
2. Measure it if you can. Durham sets measured limits, so a reading near the limit is direct evidence. The free noise log runs in your browser, records nothing, and saves a dated report.
3. Check the rule. Quiet hours in Durham are 11 p.m. – 8 a.m.; construction in residential/business districts 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. and all Sunday. The Durham noise ordinance page quotes the code verbatim, so you can cite the section.
4. Try the source once. A neighbour, landlord or venue manager often fixes it faster than the city does, and telling them first strengthens a later complaint.

What happens after you file

Non-emergency noise reports are queued, not dispatched, so a first call rarely ends the noise that night. What it does is start a record against the address. Repeated reports, a dated log and a reading are what move a case from a warning to a citation. Where the city needs an officer to witness the noise, as most audibility rules require, file while it is happening rather than the next morning.

How loud is Durham in general? The Durham noise map shows the federal transportation-noise data for every neighbourhood, and the apartment quiet hours page compares every city's night rule.

Who do I call for a noise complaint in Durham?

Per durhamnc.gov, Emergency Communications, "Non-Emergency Number": "Durham 911 Center Non-Emergency Number - (919) 560-4600"; the page lists "Barking dogs" and "Loud music" among the calls that should go to that number rather than 911, says all calls to it are received directly into the Durham Emergency Communication Center (DECC) and tracked the same as 911 calls, and adds that anyone in doubt about which number to call should use 911.

What are the quiet hours in Durham?

11 p.m. – 8 a.m.; construction in residential/business districts 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. and all Sunday. The full rule, quoted from the code, is on the Durham noise ordinance page.

Should I call 911 for noise in Durham?

Only if there is danger, a threat or a crime in progress. For ongoing noise use the non-emergency police line or the department named above; repeated calls build an official record tied to the address, which is what code enforcement acts on.

What evidence helps a noise complaint in Durham?

Durham uses both decibel limits and audibility rules, so keep a dated log and take readings when you can; which rule applies depends on the source of the noise.

This page is a plain-language guide to the reporting route, not legal advice. Ordinances and contact numbers get amended; check the linked official sources before relying on a specific provision.