The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse is the primary on-line resource for noise pollution information. Noise pollution is an intrusion into the commons. When boom boxes, leaf blowers, and jet ski's emit their sounds, they degrade the quality of the environment for everyone else. Many communities are fighting back, asserting their right to responsibly control excessive noise in public spaces.
Noise ordinances come in many shapes.
Some are source-specific, limiting or banning the use of certain devices. Others are general, covering all potential noise sources. In this section we include what we consider to be the best of these codes. The Noise Control Code for Chapel Hill sets maximum permitted sound levels for certain times and days of the week. While many cities have noise caps, Chapel Hill's code is stringent enough that it will actually restrict noise.