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Step 1 of 3Alexandria, VA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Industrial areas: up to 70 dB at property line. Public areas (Central Business District): 75 dB(A) (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM) for more than 60 seconds/hour or plainly audible at 50 feet; 65 dB(A) (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM) for more than 60 seconds/hour or plainly audible at 50 feet. General sound exceeding 70 dB at property line/50 feet from vehicle at any time, or 60 dB between 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM."
AI Executive Summary
Alexandria, VA noise ordinances, detailed in City Code Section 11-5, prohibit unreasonably loud noise. Quiet hours are generally 11 PM to 7 AM for public areas. Residential noise is limited to 55 decibels at property lines, while commercial limits are 65 dB (day) and 60 dB (night). Violations can incur civil penalties from $50 to $500. Complaints are handled by the Police Department.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Not permitted between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Amplified Sound
Operation of radio, musical instrument, phonograph, or sound reproducing device prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible across property boundaries at a distance of 50 feet.
Animals
Dog barking, howling, or baying prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible in a residential dwelling with closed doors/windows. Between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, prohibited if plainly audible across real property boundaries for more than five consecutive or non-consecutive minutes in any ten-minute period.
Vehicles
Continual sounding of horn, siren, or other signaling device, except in cases of imminent danger or emergency, is prohibited. General decibel limits also apply to motor vehicles.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Alexandria protect residents from noise?
55 dB day / 55 dB night
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Alexandria, VA?
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Alexandria's quiet hours: Public places: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM. Residential (amplified sound/speakers): 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM if plainly audible 50 feet away. Dogs: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM if plainly audible in a residential dwelling with doors and windows closed.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Alexandria?
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Alexandria's residential noise limits: 55 dB at property line dB(A) during the day and 55 dB at property line dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 65 dB at property line (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Alexandria?
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Call the Alexandria police non-emergency line at 703-746-4444. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 703-746-4311 (Nuisance Abatement Hotline), 703-746-4065 (Office of Environmental Quality). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Alexandria?
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Alexandria's noise violation penalties: Civil penalties range from $50 to $500. Knowingly refusing to comply with a written order to cease a violation results in a Class 2 misdemeanor.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Alexandria?
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Alexandria's rules: Dog barking, howling, or baying prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible in a residential dwelling with closed doors/windows. Between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, prohibited if plainly audible across real property boundaries for more than five consecutive or non-consecutive minutes in any ten-minute period.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 703-746-4444 (Animal Services Dispatch) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Alexandria?
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Alexandria's construction noise rules: Not permitted between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Alexandria?
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Yes. Alexandria's ordinance: Operation of radio, musical instrument, phonograph, or sound reproducing device prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible across property boundaries at a distance of 50 feet.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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