Outdoor Nightclub & Entertainment Venues, Raleigh, North Carolina

City of Raleigh Nightclub Noise Complaint Study | Acoustical Evaluation & Mitigation Review

The City of Raleigh received numerous noise complaints from neighboring residences regarding several nightlife and entertainment venues located in different areas of the city. In response, the City required the owners of these establishments to develop noise mitigation plans to address community concerns.

HGC was contracted by the City to assess the viability of the proposed mitigation plans from each venue and to provide independent acoustical expertise to help balance community comfort with the operational needs of local businesses.

Noise Complaint Acoustical Scope of Work

HGC collaborated with the City Attorney’s Office to review the nature and history of the noise complaints. Site visits were conducted at the establishments and in surrounding residential areas to observe and measure sound levels during live music events and peak activity periods.

Attended sound level measurements were performed in residential communities and near the venues. The configuration of each venue, including building layout and sound system design, was also reviewed.

Using a combination of sound measurement data, on-site observations, and computational acoustical modeling, HGC evaluated each proposed noise mitigation plan and compared the findings against the local Raleigh Noise Ordinance.

Raleigh City Code Noise Ordinance

The impact of noise is covered by Part 12, Chapter 5 of the Raleigh City Code, titled “Noise”. The Ordinance is qualitative in nature, as it regulates “unreasonable noise” that could disturb a reasonable person’s peace and comfort.

The Ordinance defines “unreasonable noise” as:

“The unreasonable making of, or knowingly and unreasonably permitting to be made, any sound that is an unreasonably loud, boisterous, or unusual noise, disturbance, commotion, or vibration due to bass levels or other sources from any dwelling, building, other structure, or privately-owned outdoor property, or upon any public street, park or other place or building. Any sound that is ordinary and normal to the operation of these places when conducted in accordance with the usual standards of practice, including standards for noise mitigation, and in a manner that will not unreasonably interfere with the peace and comfort of neighbors or their guest, or operators or customers in places of business, or detrimentally or adversely affect such residences or places of business, shall not be enforced as an unreasonable noise.”

In addition, the Ordinance prescribes the following “General Prohibitions”:

A. No person shall make or continue to make:

1. Any plainly audible unreasonably loud or raucous noise;
2. Any plainly audible noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of normal and ordinary sensitivities;
3. Any plainly audible noise that is so harsh, prolonged, unnatural or unusual in time or place as to occasion unreasonable discomfort to any reasonable persons within the vicinity of the location from which that noise emanates, or as to unreasonably interfere with the peace and comfort of neighbors or their guests, or operators or customers in places of business, or as to detrimentally or adversely affect such residences or places of business.

B. Factors for determining whether a sound is unreasonably loud or raucous include, but are not limited to:

1. The proximity of the sound to sleeping facilities, whether residential or commercial;
2. The land use, nature, and zoning of the area from which the sound emanates and the area where it is received.
3. The time of day or night the sound occurs.
4. The duration of the sound; and
5. Whether the sound is recurrent, intermittent, or constant.

Since the Raleigh noise ordinance lacks defined numerical limits for acceptable sound levels, assessments rely on qualitative judgments of what is reasonable. To support these judgments, nighttime sound level measurements were carried out in the neighborhoods near the venues.

Raleigh Nightclub Venues Evaluated

Wake Forest Road Restaurant and Live Music Venue

This business operates as an indoor restaurant seven days a week and hosts regular outdoor music events on select evenings. The surrounding area includes a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential properties.

Based on site observations, musical acts perform on a stage located north of the indoor dining area and parking lot. The sound system includes large hanging speakers on either side of the stage, with subwoofers beneath it—all oriented toward the southeast.

Glenwood South Area Nightclubs

Selected venues operating within the Glenwood South nightlife district were also reviewed. The surrounding area features nightclubs, bars, restaurants, other commercial establishments, and nearby residences.

The venues primarily operate during the evening and early morning hours and often host live music performances, with peak activity from Thursday to Saturday. The venues include outdoor operations and/or use speakers projecting sound to exterior areas.

HGC conducted nighttime sound measurements and acoustic observations on the sidewalks adjacent to the venues and within the nearby residential communities.

Proposed Noise Mitigation Measures Evaluation

HGC used acoustical modeling and other analysis techniques to evaluate the likely reduction in sound levels at nearby residences that could be expected with the proposed mitigation measures in place.

A concise report was then prepared for the City, summarizing:

1. The acoustic assessment methodology
2. Site-specific findings
3. Anticipated degrees of noise reduction
4. Recommendations for practical noise mitigation improvements

Acoustical Consulting Services Provided:

• Attended Acoustical Measurements

• Computational Acoustical Modeling

• Review of Local Noise Ordinances

• Noise Mitigation Analysis and Recommendations