Pinehurst Fine-Tunes Noise Rules and “Good Neighbor” Practices
Pinehurst leaders say they’re trying to keep the peace without quieting everyday life. At a recent Village Council meeting, officials reviewed the town’s noise ordinance and said overall complaints remain low and concentrated in just a couple of locations.
Village Manager Doug Willardson told council members that Pinehurst has had relatively few documented violations since the ordinance was updated about 14 months ago. Most calls involve short-term rentals, construction sites, barking dogs, early-morning landscaping, and general neighbor-to-neighbor noise.
The current limit is 75 decibels during daytime hours. Willardson cautioned that lowering the threshold could unintentionally penalize routine neighborhood activity, and he noted that the existing standard gives officers a clear, objective way to measure noise.
Council members are considering placing temporary noise-monitoring devices at two addresses that generate the most calls, including a residential property and an area in Pinewild where residents have complained about leaf blowers on the golf course. The devices would help track volume levels and times, even if officers arrive after the noise stops.
Officials also discussed early-morning golf course maintenance, which is currently exempt from the ordinance. While mowers are less of a concern, leaf blowers have drawn complaints. Staff will work with local clubs on possible adjustments to start times and blower use.
Looking ahead to the spring tourist season, the village plans to send a “good neighbor” letter to all short-term rental owners outlining expectations around noise, trash and parking. Updated neighborhood signs with clear “no overnight street parking” language are also being considered to help reduce confusion for visitors.