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Residents press board for stronger noise rules after years of motocross complaints; commissioners ask staff to draft ordinance revisions
Summary
Several residents urged the board to expand enforcement of the county noise ordinance to address long-running motocross, loud recreation vehicles and firearms complaints. Commissioners asked the county attorney to prepare comparative language (including New Hanover County) and return with draft options.
PENDER COUNTY, N.C. June 16, 2025 Multiple residents and property owners asked Pender County commissioners on June 16 to strengthen the county noise ordinance and enforcement practices to address prolonged and repeated loud recreational activity, including motocross tracks near homes.
Public concern and requests: Dozens of residents who spoke at the public-comment period described long-running noise issues affecting rural and residential areas. Topics raised included:
- Motocross and prolonged engine noise: Several residents described sustained high-volume motocross riding lasting hours, which they said had persisted for years and interfered with horses, children and daily life. One resident said the problem had been ongoing for roughly four years.
- Noise from recreational vehicles, engines and gunfire: Residents also raised problems with loud off-road vehicles and with shooting on nearby properties.
- Enforcement and remedies: Speakers asked for specific enforcement tools such as decibel-based standards, distance/time limits, and clearer procedures for deputies to cite and abate violations.
What commissioners asked staff to do: The board instructed the county attorney and staff to assemble sample ordinance language and enforcement approaches from neighboring counties, particularly New Hanover and Brunswick, and to return with draft options for the board to consider. Commissioners requested examples that use decibel thresholds, duration limits and distance-based provisions, and they asked staff to confirm how the sherifff201s office could enforce each approach.
Staff note: County staff noted the countyf201s current ordinance already contains an evening noise standard and other exemptions (for farm machinery, emergency operations, etc.). The sherifff201s office had input during recent ordinance discussions regarding what is practically enforceable in the rural county environment; staff said earlier amendments did not fully address daytime, prolonged recreation noise complaints.
Why it matters: Repeated or chronic noise can affect homeownersf201 quality of life and property values and can present risks for animals and residents in rural areas. The board directed staff to return promptly with proposed language so the county can consider changes that are enforceable in a rural setting.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to deliver comparative statutes and draft language (New Hanover and Brunswick examples) and to bring the item back at the special meeting called to address several time-sensitive items as well as a separate appeal related to an existing motocross operation.
