Board of Aldermen approves early‑morning commercial delivery change, but delays action on louder, seasonal outdoor music concerns.
Southport, NC — The Southport Board of Aldermen approved a targeted change to the city’s noise ordinance on May 14, voting to allow commercial deliveries and dumpster pickups to begin at 6:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. The adjustment, requested by several local business owners, is intended to ease morning congestion and reduce safety issues caused by large trucks idling in traffic-heavy areas.
Alderwoman Rebecca Kelley noted that delivery trucks often arrived before 7:00 a.m. and were forced to wait in the roadway as commuter traffic increased. Business owners argued that the earlier start time would help prevent backups on key corridors and improve overall flow during the busiest hours of the morning.
The Board approved the delivery-time change without opposition. No other sections of the noise ordinance were amended.
While the delivery issue moved quickly, the Board held off on making any decisions about outdoor entertainment noise, a topic that has generated recurring debate in Southport, especially as warm-weather months bring more live music, waterfront dining, and seasonal crowds.
Residents living near commercial districts have raised concerns about amplified music carrying into neighborhoods, while business owners say outdoor entertainment is a critical part of the city’s tourism economy. Board members acknowledged the tension but said more discussion is needed before proposing any changes to hours, decibel limits, or enforcement procedures.
Although loud outdoor entertainment is largely a seasonal issue, peaking from late spring through early fall, the policy questions surrounding it persist year-round. City leaders typically revisit the topic each spring as venues begin booking bands and outdoor seating areas reopen.
For now, the Board plans to continue reviewing options and gathering public input before bringing any potential revisions back for consideration.
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