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Just wondering what you might do in the following situation:
We bought a house over 4 years ago, in North Raleigh. Every weekend, without fail, a house in the cul-de-sac behind us cranks up their loud music to a deafening volume... this sometimes starts as early as 8am, but can start at any time really. The noise rarely occurs during the "quiet hours" set by the city. However, the bass is loud and powerful enough that we can hear it over our conversations, our TV, even our own loud music in our own house.
Ironically, as I type this, I hear loud music blasting from another "problem house" in the neighborhood... this house has parties on most Sundays, with up to 10 cars crowding the street (yes, even during COVID). My wife is in a meeting for work right now, and I work from home as well. This is distracting and very annoying!
What to do?? Call the police (non-emergency number) so early in the day? What can the police even do during this time? I have thought about contacting our HOA but I have a feeling they won't do much, if anything.
I'm at the end of my rope... I'm not sure where the weekend music is coming from - I could walk through the neighborhood and find out, and confront these people I guess. And I guess they could tell me to screw myself.
This noisy neighborhood is causing too much stress!! What would you do?? Please, before you suggest moving, that is not an option. We like our house a lot, and plan to stay here.
Like I said above, I'm not 100% sure where the music at the house behind us is coming from, but I could find out by walking over there.
I have not spoken to the people at the Sunday "party house" - every party they have, no one has on a mask and I'm not trying to catch COVID.
Huh? If it's that loud how do you not know what house behind you it's coming from? Walk up to the front door, stand back 6 feet, and have a conversation with your neighbor. Who knows maybe they're nice people?
I believe Raleigh can issue a citation if two people complain. Recently we had a new person move in who was driving their ATVs up and down the streets...a post on next door with a police suggestion nipped it in the bud. Something to think about if you can round up some support. Just call the non-emergency line and ask for some advice.
I only know this because my crazy renter neighbor called the cops on me when I was working in my garage. Nothing was done to me and the officer could easily see who the crazy person was. They were actually super nice.
Last edited by wheelsup; 09-15-2020 at 01:01 PM..
Reason: The
It actually is good advice. I'm curious how you expect to resolve this problem without knowing exactly where the music is coming from. Do you expect the police or your HOA management company to drive around looking for the source? They're not gonna do that. And if you can't define its origin one wonders exactly how loud it is. How big are these properties?
This was going on in my HOA neighborhood. So if the noise as stated is during the daytime hours, it is not easy to make a complaint and have the police do much, since well...it is allowed. But if it goes over 55 decibels I guess you can say something per:
Sec. 12-5003. - SOUND EMISSION STANDARDS AND LIMITATIONS.
(a)Unless otherwise specifically indicated, it shall be unlawful for anyone to cause or allow the emission of sound from any source or sources which when measured pursuant to §12-5002 exceed the maximum decibel limits specified in Table 1. Ten (10) readings above the allowed decibel limits attributed to the sound source or sources shall constitute prima facie evidence of a violation of this ordinance. The sound meter operator may cease taking readings as soon as the readings already taken show a violation of this ordinance. It shall not be necessary to complete all one hundred (100) readings if a fewer number have already indicated a violation of the ordinance.
Table 1. Maximum Noise Limitations
dB(A)
Zoning districts Daytime
(7:00 a.m.
to
11:00 p.m.) Nighttime
(11:00 p.m.
to
7:00 a.m.)
Residential 55 45
You can check your HOA statutes. Mine had something to the effect of "no activity...shall disturb a neighbor's quiet enjoyment." However, on an unrelated matter an attorney read our statutes and said this was quite vague and might not be enforceable.
Good luck- the end situation here was the people left on their own. On another issue of dogs barking, as others said, someone asked the owners and the noise has stopped. So if legally not much you or your HOA can do, then unfortunately you may have to rely on good graces of the person.
You need to talk to you neighbor. If you do not want to risk Covid or do not like conversation, afraid of confrontation, you need to write them a letter. I personally wouldn't choose that route -- but you can make the letter anonymous. Explain the situation. Sometime people do not know how loud they are. This can be resolved as simply as "hey, sorry my teenage boys are going through a phase and they just started a band.. etc."
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