Morgantown, WV Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Morgantown, WV?
| Regulation | Details for Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 304-284-7522, ext. 0 |
General quiet hours for creating a noise disturbance are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Yelling and shouting on public rights-of-way are restricted between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.. Amplified sound waivers expire at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Lawn maintenance equipment is exempt between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m..
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Morgantown, WV Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown, WV, through City Code Article 527, Noise Control, prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises that annoy, disturb, injure, or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others. Quiet hours generally apply from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., aiming to prevent noise disturbances across property boundaries or within noise-sensitive zones.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | N/A | N/A |
Note: The Morgantown City Code (Article 527) defines dBA but does not specify maximum decibel limits for residential or commercial zones within the city. Morgan County's ordinance, which specifies a 65 dB limit, explicitly excludes municipalities.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction is subject to the overall noise disturbance rules, prohibiting loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Building permits are generally required for construction projects.
- Amplified Sound:
Amplified sound creating a noise disturbance across a property boundary or within a noise sensitive zone is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. A waiver of the noise code is required for events with amplified sound, with waivers expiring at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
- Animals:
No person shall allow domestic animals to create unreasonably loud and disturbing noises. In Morgan County, it is unlawful for domestic animals to produce audible sound above the allowed level between 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Vehicles:
It is unlawful to create a noise disturbance at 50 feet from a device operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right-of-way or public space, or in a boat on public waters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Morgantown, WV Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Morgantown, WV?
General quiet hours for creating a noise disturbance are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Yelling and shouting on public rights-of-way are restricted between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.. Amplified sound waivers expire at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Lawn maintenance equipment is exempt between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m... Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Morgantown, WV?
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 Morgantown, WV?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Morgantown, WV police non-emergency line at 304-284-7522, ext. 0. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 304-284-7401.