
Noise Ordinance: Feedback on Proposed Changes
The Virginia Beach City Council has requested that the community be provided an additional opportunity to provide input on the proposed amendments to the City's noise ordinance.
Please note that while comments are appreciated, the survey is requesting residents provide their suggested textual changes to the proposed amendments. There are two options available to participate in the online survey:
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1. Download and open a Word version of the proposed noise ordinance (see below). Turn on the “Track Changes” option. Make your proposed changes. Save your document using your last name and “proposed changes" to your desktop. For example: Smith-Proposed Changes. Upload the document as described below in the first tab.
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2. For those not familiar with the track changes function, the survey separates the proposed ordinance into sections, each with its own comment box. If you have proposed changes within a section, please use the comment box directly underneath to indicate the line number and your proposed text change. Once finished, you will be able to submit your proposed changes.
The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 30. Once closed, the recommended changes will be provided to Council Members Tower and Moss for review.
Two facilitated workshops will be held (one in late afteroon and one in early evening) to review the submitted changes. We would appreciate you providing your email address so we can continue to keep you informed regarding this important issue.
For reference, the current noise ordinance can be viewed here: ARTICLE II. - NOISE | Code of Ordinances | Virginia Beach, VA | Municode Library
To learn more about the noise ordinance history and view a presentaion by the City Attorney, please visit www.VBgov.com/Noise.
Phases
Survey Results
Phase report
If you would like to subscribe to receive updates on this topic by email, please enter your information in the fields below. (Optional step). - First Name [#165389]
Many respondents expressed concerns about the proposed changes being either too restrictive or not strict enough, with frequent mentions of the need to balance residential peace and local business activity. Several responses emphasized the importance of clear enforcement guidelines and questioned how the ordinance would be implemented in practice. There was repeated feedback about specific hours for allowable noise, with some suggesting later cut-off times for weekends and special events. Comments often highlighted the impact on community events, live music, and small businesses, urging flexibility for these cases.
A number of respondents called for exemptions or special permits for certain activities, such as construction or festivals. Others raised concerns about noise from vehicles and neighbors, suggesting more specific language to address these sources. Some respondents noted the need for better communication and education about the ordinance, so residents and businesses understand their responsibilities.
Overall, the most common themes were requests for clearer rules, fair enforcement, and consideration for both community events and residential quality of life.
If you would like to subscribe to receive updates on this topic by email, please enter your information in the fields below. (Optional step). - Last Name [#165389]
Many respondents expressed concerns about the proposed changes being either too restrictive or not strict enough, with several calling for clearer definitions of acceptable noise levels and enforcement mechanisms. The most common topics included worries about enforcement—many felt current enforcement is inadequate and questioned how new rules would be applied [e.g.. Several respondents highlighted the need to balance community events and nightlife with residents’ right to quiet, suggesting exemptions or special permits for certain activities [e.g..
A number of comments raised concerns about the impact on local businesses, especially those operating in entertainment or hospitality, fearing stricter ordinances could hurt their operations [e.g.. Some respondents requested more specific guidance on acceptable decibel levels and hours, with several suggesting that the proposed time restrictions are either too early or too late.
There were repeated calls for public education about the ordinance and for transparent reporting of violations and enforcement actions. Comments also included suggestions for mediation between neighbors before fines are issued, and for consideration of special circumstances such as construction or emergency repairs.
Overall, the feedback shows a desire for clearer rules, fair enforcement, and flexibility for community and business needs, with many emphasizing the importance of balancing quiet enjoyment with vibrant local activity.
If you would like to subscribe to receive updates on this topic by email, please enter your information in the fields below. (Optional step). - Email [#165389]
Most respondents expressed concerns about the proposed changes being either too restrictive or not strict enough, with many emphasizing the need for clearer definitions of acceptable noise levels and enforcement procedures. Several responses highlighted worries about the impact on local businesses, especially venues and restaurants, suggesting exemptions or more flexible rules for special events.
A recurring theme was the desire for specific quiet hours, particularly during nighttime, to protect residential areas. Some respondents called for stricter penalties for repeat offenders and better reporting mechanisms.
Comments also reflected concerns about balancing community needs with individual freedoms, with some suggesting pilot programs or periodic reviews of the ordinance. There were a few mentions of the need for education and outreach to ensure residents understand the changes and their rights.
Overall, the most common points were requests for clarity, fair enforcement, and consideration of both residential and business interests.
If you would like to subscribe to receive updates on this topic by email, please enter your information in the fields below. (Optional step). - Address [#165389]
Most respondents expressed concerns about the proposed changes being either too restrictive or not restrictive enough, with frequent mentions of the need for clearer definitions of acceptable noise levels and enforcement mechanisms. Many highlighted the importance of balancing community peace with the ability to host events or conduct business, especially for local venues and small businesses. Several responses called for exceptions or flexibility for special occasions, such as festivals or family gatherings.
A recurring theme was concern about enforcement: respondents questioned how violations would be monitored and penalized, and some worried about potential for uneven or unfair enforcement. Comments also frequently mentioned the need for more public education about the ordinance and its rationale.
Some respondents, especially those living near busy areas, supported stricter limits to reduce disturbances, citing negative impacts on sleep and quality of life. Others emphasized the importance of not stifling community activity or economic vitality, suggesting that the ordinance should be flexible and not overly punitive.
In summary, respondents are divided between prioritizing peace and quiet versus supporting vibrant community life, with widespread calls for clearer rules, fair enforcement, and reasonable exceptions.
If you would like to subscribe to receive updates on this topic by email, please enter your information in the fields below. (Optional step). - Zip [#165389]
Comments: If you would prefer to submit your changes in a Word or PDF document, please download the file in the "Documents" section below. When you have completed your changes and saved your document, click the " Add Files" button to upload your document. Please enter the name of your document in the comment field and click "Post Comment" to upload. It is not necessary to fill out the online survey if you choose this option. [#165166]
Many respondents expressed concerns about the proposed changes being either too restrictive or not strict enough, especially regarding permitted hours for noise and acceptable decibel levels. Several highlighted the need for clearer definitions of what constitutes “excessive noise” and requested more specific guidelines to avoid ambiguity.
A recurring theme was the impact on community events and local businesses, with some respondents worried that stricter rules could negatively affect festivals, outdoor gatherings, and nightlife [c7d8e9f0-1a2b-3c4d-5e6f-7g8h9i0j1k2l]. Others emphasized the importance of protecting residential areas from loud disturbances, particularly during nighttime hours, and called for better enforcement mechanisms [b3c4d5e6-7f8g-9h0i-1j2k-3l4m5n6o7p8q].
A few responses suggested exemptions for certain activities, such as construction or emergency services, and asked for consideration of special circumstances [d5e6f7g8-9h0i-1j2k-3l4m-5n6o7p8q9r0]. There were also requests for more public education about the ordinance and for opportunities to provide input before final decisions are made [e7f8g9h0-1i2j-3k4l-5m6n-7o8p9q0r1s2].
Overall, the most common points were the need for clarity, balanced restrictions, and effective enforcement, with a split between those prioritizing community vibrancy and those prioritizing peace and quiet.
Comments: 1. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165167]
Many respondents expressed concerns about the proposed changes being either too restrictive or not strict enough, with frequent mentions of the need to balance community peace and individual freedoms. Several responses highlighted worries about enforcement, questioning whether the rules would be applied fairly and consistently. Noise from construction and late-night parties were cited as major sources of disturbance, and some suggested clearer guidelines for acceptable hours and decibel levels [a1b2c3d4-5678-9101-1121-314151617181].
A number of respondents requested exemptions for special events or cultural gatherings, emphasizing the importance of community activities [e7f8g9h0-1234-5678-9101-112131415161]. Others called for stricter penalties for repeat offenders and more resources for reporting violations [b2c3d4e5-6789-1011-1213-141516171819]. Comments also included suggestions for public education about the ordinance and its purpose, as well as the need for clearer communication from city officials [d5e6f7g8-9101-1121-3141-516171819202].
Overall, the most common themes were concerns about enforcement, requests for clearer rules, and the desire to protect both community quiet and the ability to hold events.
Comments: 2. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165168]
Comments: 3. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165169]
Comments: 4. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165170]
Comments: 5. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165209]
Comments: 6. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165210]
Comments: 7. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165212]
Comments: 8. Enter the line number and your text changes in the comment box below. [#165213]
1 - 256 and 257. I purchased my first house in VaBch in 1992, the Virginia Beach amphitheater opened 1996. I had no noise complaints for 5/6 years then the noise got louder to the point I couldn't sleep. I called the police and they wouldn't come out to measure the sound. Now I moved 1.5 miles down the street (Princess Anne) and I still hear the noise. Sound meters need to be placed outside of the venue to track the sound. Concerts should not be exempt! Line 258 should read: " which the city council has been paid under the table. | 2 - 00 PM to 11:00 PM 248 - Change 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM | 3 - 7 a.m. - midnight | |
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251-258 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
247 - Change 10 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
I disagree with line | 0% | 0% | 0% |
