Portsmouth, VA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Portsmouth, VA?
| Regulation | Details for Portsmouth, VA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | Not specified |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 757-393-5300 |
Not specified generally for residential, but outdoor amplified sound for entertainment is restricted after 10:00 PM. Entertainment establishment hours of operation are 8:00 AM to Midnight.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Portsmouth, VA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Portsmouth, VA?
Portsmouth, VA noise ordinances, under City Code Sec. 24-255, prohibit unlawful excessive sound that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others. This includes restrictions on outdoor amplified sound after 10:00 PM for entertainment establishments and general prohibitions against excessive noise, with sound level measurements used as prima facie evidence for violations.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | N/A | N/A |
Note: The ordinance, Sec. 24-255, defines dBA and mentions sound level meters for measuring noise, which serves as prima facie evidence in legal proceedings.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
For a specific warehouse and light manufacturing use, noise-causing operations are prohibited from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. General construction hours are not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets.
- Amplified Sound:
Outdoor amplified sound is restricted after 10:00 P.M. for restaurants requiring entertainment establishment use permits. Entertainment establishments must also ensure noise complies with City Code Sec. 24-255 and does not create unreasonable environmental aspects. Live entertainment is permitted indoors only for these establishments.
- Animals:
The general prohibition against 'unlawful excessive sound' in Sec. 24-255 likely covers excessive animal noise. Animal Control can be reached at 757-393-8876 or via the non-emergency police number for animal-related issues.
- Vehicles:
The overarching 'unlawful excessive sound' provision in Sec. 24-255 would generally apply to vehicle noise. While a Portsmouth, NH ordinance explicitly restricts unnecessary horn sounding, specific details for Portsmouth, VA are not provided in the readily available summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portsmouth, VA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Portsmouth, VA?
Not specified generally for residential, but outdoor amplified sound for entertainment is restricted after 10:00 PM. Entertainment establishment hours of operation are 8:00 AM to Midnight.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Portsmouth, VA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of established limits during the day and stricter limits at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Portsmouth, VA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Portsmouth, VA police non-emergency line at 757-393-5300. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 757-393-8531.