Be A Good Neighbor

Being a good neighbor in Durham means knowing local laws and ordinances, being connected to your neighbors, and learning about local history and culture.

Durham ordinances you need to know:

Durham’s noise ordinance covers “unreasonably loud” or “disturbing” noise and specifically prohibits amplified music after 11pm.
Durham’s noise ordinance results in criminal consequences: you can be cited and have to appear in court for a violation.
The noise ordinance applies any time of day or night but becomes stricter after 11pm:
- Before 11pm the noise level is 60 decibels, or the volume of 2 adults having a "normal" conversation.
- After 11pm, the noise level is 50 decibels, or the volume of 2 adults having a "quiet" conversation.
First time violations will receive a warning
Duke students will then either receive a criminal citation or be referred to the Durham County Misdemeanor Diversion Program.

Keep your yard clean! The City of Durham requires residents to keep trash out of their yard.
You can be issued a notice of violation and/or a fine and are required to clean up the trash within 10 days.
Take your bins in! The City of Durham requires residents to take their trash cans in between pick up days, i.e. you cannot just leave your trash/recycling bins at the curb all of the time.

If you have a yard, it is often your responsibility to keep the lawn mowed and the yard maintained. Check with your landlord to learn if yard maintenance is your responsibility. Violations can result in a fine from the city.
No couches on the porch or in your yard: You are not allowed to have indoor furniture outdoors, whether it’s on your porch, in your yard, or in your driveway.
You can be issued a notice of violation and/or a fine and are required to remove the furniture within 10 days.

Trash & Recycling

Look up what day your trash & recycling get picked up Learn what you can and can't recycle in Durham How to properly dispose of bulky items (furniture, appliances, etc.)

Durham History & Culture

Durham is your home for the time you’re at Duke. Take the time to learn it’s history.

Durham History Hub

Durham History Hub is a local history museum in downtown Durham. Stop by to see an exhibit or take the time to attend an event or go on a tour.

Museum of Durham History

Open Durham

Open Durham is a great place to learn about the history of your neighborhood. An open-sourced website, residents can search for their address, their neighborhood, or a cool building they saw around town.

Visit Open Durham

Discover Durham

Information on restaurants, nightlife, shopping, events, and things to do in Durham, NC.

Check out the Ultimate Durham Bucket List

Downtown Durham, Inc.

Great place to learn about downtown restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and events.

Visit DDI