Living in Raleigh

Updated in February 2024, the noise ordinance in Raleigh is based on a “reasonable person” standard, which allows law enforcement to assess noise levels based on what an average person would consider unreasonably loud.

Time and Distance Restrictions

• 7 a.m. to 11 p.m – Unreasonable noise, plainly audible beyond 300 feet from its source is prohibited;
• 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. – Unreasonable noise, plainly audible beyond 150 feet from its source is prohibited

Penalties

• Initial violation – $250.00
• Subsequent violation (within 12 months of any other violation) – $500.00

NOTE: Ongoing violations of the noise ordinance can result in a formal criminal citation.

Residents are required to maintain their premises free from the accumulation of litter, junk, and debris. Allowing such accumulation is considered a public nuisance under the city’s ordinances. A list of items prohibited can be found under Health, Sanitation, and Public Nuisances (Section 6) on the Code of Ordinances website.

In general, the Raleigh Fire Department discourages open burning. More information, including restrictions and expectations, can be found on the City of Raleigh website.

Students can get answers to questions about solid waste using the Raleigh Reuse Web Tool. This navigator allows users to:

• Access their household’s collection calendar
• Learn how holidays impact pickup schedules
• Find information and instructions on recycling, reusing, donating, or disposing of any kind of material

Bulky and Special Load Collections are available for household items too large for regular curbside collection. Check out the City of Raleigh website to learn more about:

• Free v. fee-based pickup
• Accepted items
• Preparing for collection
• How to make a request

Some off-campus residences may include the cost of utilities in your monthly rent. This may apply to your use of electricity, water, sewage, and/or gas. Check with your rental company to confirm this information.

Below is more information regarding specific utility services in Raleigh:

• Water and Sewage
  • City of Raleigh Website
  • Sewer back-up, overflow, or water leak? Call Raleigh Water Customer Care and Billing at 919-996-3245 (24/7). Press 2 for further instructions.
  • Financial Assistance Program
• Make a Utility Payment – Learn more about how to pay for water, garbage, and recycling

During the Fall and Winter months, the City of Raleigh offers loose leaf collection. This service allows residents to rake leaves from their lawns into piles near the curb, where they will be efficiently collected by specialized vacuum equipment. More information, including zone locations and schedules, can be found on the City of Raleigh website.

Depending on your need, it may be helpful to purchase an on-campus parking permit. Permits are sold based on the number of completed credit hours you have and the availability of parking spaces. To purchase a parking permit, students must be registered for courses. More information about student parking permits can be found on the NC State Transportation website.

There are a variety of parking lots and garages throughout the city. More information, including locations, hours, and rates can be found on the City of Raleigh website.

GoRaleigh is the transit system responsible for operating most of the public transportation services in and around the city. Check out their website to learn more about:

• Maps and schedules
• Trip planning and bus tracking
• Fares and passes
• Holiday hours
• Service changes and alerts
• News and updates

The City of Raleigh provides transportation services for people with disabilities. GoRaleigh Access (formerly Accessible Raleigh Transportation) enables eligible persons to access public transportation. Learn more on their website.

Raleigh’s Cardinal Bikeshare program is a partnership between the City of Raleigh and Corp Logistics, designed to enhance mobility in the bustling downtown area. As part of the City’s commitment to expanding transportation options, Cardinal Bikeshare offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate the city. Check out their website to learn more about:

• Renting a bicycle
• Locating a Cardinal Bikeshare station
• Costs for single trips, monthly passes, and annual memberships

University Student Legal Services focuses on helping students resolve their legal problems with as little disruption as possible to their educational endeavors. The office promotes preventive law, equipping students to make informed choices.

• Website: https://studentlegal.dasa.ncsu.edu/
• Email: studentlegal@ncsu.edu
• Phone: 919.515.7091

The Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation (HSCSC) is an independent, not for profit, municipal service district that began providing services and programs in the fall of 2010. The district was created by the City of Raleigh in partnership with N.C. State University and the property owners, merchants and residents on and around Hillsborough Street.

• Website: https://www.hillsboroughstreet.org/
• Email: liveitup@hillsboroughstreet.org
• Phone: 919.800.0135

NC State Prevention Services provides case management, education, and outreach emphasizing inclusive, developmental, and non-judgmental perspectives for student prevention efforts. Through the lenses of behavioral health, wellness, and sustainability, professionals cross-collaborate with the campus community to enhance individual and collective well-being, as well as assisting students to gain the necessary resources to remain successful academically and emotionally at NC State. Programs include:

NC State CARES: A cross-campus program that provides support for students in crisis or who have been referred as exhibiting concerning or worrisome behavior and whose behavior does not indicate a direct threat of harm to the NC State community.  

Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention and Education: Provides a judgment-free setting to discuss substance use.

Pack Recovery: Pack Recovery at NC State seeks to connect students who identify as in recovery, foster their collegiate success, and provide the opportunity for students to have an alternative college experience.

• Website: https://prevention.dasa.ncsu.edu/
• Email: prevention-services@ncsu.edu
• Phone: 919.515.4405

• Raleigh Police Department (RPD) Non-Emergency Line: 919.831.6311
• Mental Health Emergencies: 988 (call or chat)
• Medical Emergencies: 911

The Raleigh Police Department has an online crime-mapping tool that makes it convenient for people to learn of crimes reported in areas that are of interest to them.

Risk reduction strategies are used to decrease crime, while promoting safety through education and awareness of conditions that facilitate violence. Although the only person responsible for a crime is the offender, students are encouraged to take the following safety steps to help keep themselves safe:

• Pay full attention to your surroundings when you are in public. Avoid using noise-canceling headphones and phone use in general, especially when walking outdoors
• Don’t forget to lock vehicles, doors, and windows
• Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door, and remember to be alert to what and who is around you. Glance under your car, around it and in the back seat as you get in
• There is safety in numbers. If you go out at night, arrange to go with a companion or two
• On campus? Consider utilizing the NC State Walking Safety Escort Services by calling NC State University Police at 919-515-3000 or take the Wolfline bus system
• Know the locations of and how to use the Blue Light phones on campus
• If you are confronted, cooperate! Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police department immediately. If they make a demand for some material item – wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards or electronics – give it to them, and remember your life is more valuable than these replaceable items.