Pender County commissioners debate expanded noise ordinance after Rocky Point dirt-bike complaints

Pender County commissioners spent the bulk of a July 28 special meeting debating a proposed change to the county noise ordinance after public comment from residents near a Rocky Point motocross/dirt-bike track and from riders and property owners. The draft amendment would add “motorbike” to the list of off-road vehicles and define “plainly audible” as sound detected at 70 decibels or greater at the property line; the sheriff’s office asked that the off-road-vehicle provision apply 24 hours a day.

The proposal drew sustained comment from neighbors who said noise from an Airbnb-hosted motocross track has made their properties difficult to use, and from riders and the property owner’s attorney who warned the ordinance would imperil property rights and small businesses.

The debate focused on three central points: how the ordinance would be enforced, whether it singles out dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles, and prior approvals or zoning determinations for the property where the track operates. Commissioners did not adopt the ordinance as written that night; instead they directed staff to continue work, and several commissioners asked that a subcommittee or negotiation between affected parties be formed to produce a revised draft for future consideration.

Neighbors described disturbance at close range. Julie Walker, who lives near the track, told the board she is “about 2,000 feet away” and can sit inside with the TV on and still hear the bikes. “I retired from the military to just live the rest of my life in peace and quiet. I can't do that anymore,” Walker said during public comment.

Several speakers urged the board to weigh property investments and rural character. Jay Dixon, who said he lives on…