Homeowner says neighbor blasts music outside ‘up to 12 hours a day’

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — It looks like a quiet stretch of Lincoln County, one reason Bryan Plourde says he decided to retire there.

But he says his neighbor across the street started blasting music last year. “It lasts for up to 12 hours a day,” he said. “Occasionally the content is vulgar.”

Plourde says he doesn’t want his grandchildren exposed to that.

As soon as Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke pulled up to meet Plourde, he and his news photographer heard the music themselves. The Action 9 team would have asked Plourde’s neighbor to turn it down for him, but his neighbor has a “No Trespassing” sign.

Plourde says he wrote letters to the property owner -- as well as the County -- but no luck. “Nothing’s changed. It hasn’t changed a thing,” he said. “It stresses us out. We’ve lost any ability to have any privacy, any peace and quiet.”

He says he finally called the sheriff’s office. Deputies cited his neighbor, and a judge is set to hear the case before the month is out.

Chances are your city or county has a noise ordinance. Click this link to see Charlotte’s. The city of Charlotte outlines specific hours that can be louder than others.

In some cases, like Lincoln County, don’t feel bad about calling law enforcement more than once because each day counts as a separate violation.

You can also sue. Just know this:

- If you want money, you can try small claims court for a $96 filing fee.

- If you want a judge to order your neighbor to stop the noise -- in other words, a restraining order or injunction -- you can’t do small claims court. You have to sue in district court for $150 or superior court for $200.

As you probably expect, a lot of viewers contact Action 9 about issues involving their neighbors, not just noise, but:

• Burning debris and smoke from it
• Flooding and runoff
• Security cameras making them uncomfortable
• Unwanted foliage invading their yards

If you’ve been ripped off, overbilled or misled, let Action 9 investigate. Email action9@wsoctv.com. Please include your name, address and phone number along with the business name, address and phone number. Give a brief description of your complaint.

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