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Step 1 of 3Virginia Beach, VA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Virginia Beach protect residents from noise?
65 dB day / 55 dB night
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
5 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Virginia Beach, VA?
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Virginia Beach's quiet hours: 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). 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 Virginia Beach?
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Virginia Beach's residential noise limits: 65 dBA (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. inside residence) dB(A) during the day and 55 dBA (10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. inside residence) dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 80 dBA (7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. measured from public/private property, for amplified sound/restaurants). Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Virginia Beach?
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Call the Virginia Beach police non-emergency line at 757-385-5000 (general non-emergency); 757-385-3111 (noise and fireworks complaints). For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 757-385-4421. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Virginia Beach?
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Virginia Beach's noise violation penalties: A violation of the "plainly audible" standard can result in a civil fine of $250 for a first offense. Excessive noise determined by decibel readings may lead to misdemeanor charges. Property maintenance code violations are generally misdemeanors in Virginia Beach.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Virginia Beach?
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Virginia Beach's rules: 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.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 757-385-4444 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Virginia Beach?
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Virginia Beach's construction noise rules: 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.. 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 Virginia Beach?
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Yes. Virginia Beach's ordinance: 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.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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