What is considered a “noise disturbance” (or, what is a violation of the City’s Noise Ordinance)?
Noise is any sound or combination of sounds which, because of its volume or quality, tends to disturb reasonable persons of normal sensitivity or to interfere with normal human activity. [Section 10-82 (c)] A noise disturbance is any unreasonably loud and raucous sound or noise which (1) Endangers or injures the health or safety of humans or animals; (2) Endangers or injures personal or real property; or (3) Disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity. [Section 10-82 (d)] Who enforces the Noise Ordinance? There are three possible enforcement officers for a noise disturbance. The Asheville Police Department is available to cite any offender (including barking dogs) at all times. Animal Service Officers, a division of the Asheville Police Department, are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. They can assist with noise complaints that are created by animals. Zoning or Building Safety Enforcement Officers are available to cite
