Virginia Beach, VA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Virginia Beach, VA?
| Regulation | Details for Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 757-385-5000 (general non-emergency); 757-385-3111 (noise and fireworks complaints) |
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM (residential internal noise); 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (amplified sound/restaurants public/private property); 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM (construction equipment)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
757-385-5000 (general non-emergency); 757-385-3111 (noise and fireworks complaints)How to file a complaint →Virginia Beach, VA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia Beach's noise ordinance, outlined in Chapter 23, Article II of the City Code, prohibits excessive sound based on decibel limits and a "plainly audible" standard. It sets specific quiet hours for residential areas and restricts activities like amplified sound, construction, and vehicle horns to safeguard public peace and welfare.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dBA (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. inside residence) | 55 dBA (10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. inside residence) |
| Commercial | 80 dBA (7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. measured from public/private property, for amplified sound/restaurants) | 75 dBA (11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. measured from public/private property, for amplified sound/restaurants) |
Note: Decibel limits for residential areas are measured inside the residence at least four feet from the wall nearest the source, with doors and windows closed. Limits for amplified sound and restaurants are measured in any public area or from other private property.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operation of construction equipment (e.g., bulldozers, jackhammers) is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless specifically authorized by the city manager or designee.
- Amplified Sound:
Playing or operating televisions, stereos, musical instruments, amplifiers, or other sound-producing devices (excluding those in motor vehicles) that exceed 80 dB(A) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., or 75 dB(A) between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., when measured in a public area or from other private property. Exemptions exist for city-sponsored or permitted events.
- Animals:
The noise ordinance addresses all pets. Barking dogs can also be enforced under City Code Section 5-532, which may lead to the seizure of the dog.
- Vehicles:
Sounding any vehicle horn or signaling device continuously or intermittently for more than ten consecutive seconds, except as a danger warning. Emergency signaling devices, security, burglar, and fire alarms, including motor vehicle alarms, are prohibited from continuous or intermittent sounding outdoors for more than ten minutes in residential areas and fifteen minutes in other areas, except in response to a genuine emergency.
- Noise-Sensitive Areas:
Making unreasonably loud and raucous noise within 200 feet of any school, place of worship, court, hospital, nursing home, or assisted-living facility that substantially interferes with its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Beach, VA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Virginia Beach, VA?
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM (residential internal noise); 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (amplified sound/restaurants public/private property); 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM (construction equipment). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Virginia Beach, VA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dBA (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. inside residence) during the day and 55 dBA (10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. inside residence) 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 Virginia Beach, VA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Virginia Beach, VA police non-emergency line at 757-385-5000 (general non-emergency); 757-385-3111 (noise and fireworks complaints). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 757-385-4421.