Noise Ordinance
The City of Virginia Beach is inviting the public to share their opinions on the proposed amendments to the noise ordinance. Key changes in the noise ordinance include plainly audible standard, amplified sound enforcement, and criminal and civil penalties.
Under the proposed ordinance:
- It is a violation if noise is simply audible and can be heard from 50 ft. away from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Civil penalties shall apply for specific prohibitions based on “plainly audible standard,” while criminal penalties is for noise over certain dBA inside a dwelling unit or in a public area
- Plainly audible standard means any sound that can be heard by the human ear with or without a medically approved hearing aid or device.
Full details can be found online at www.vbgov.com/noise.
A video of the presentation to City Council can be found below. The noise ordinance presentation begins at the 20:27 mark.
Phases
Survey Results
Comments: Please submit any comments you have about changes to the noise ordinance here. [#153643]
Many respondents expressed concerns about excessive noise from construction, loud music, and parties, especially during nighttime hours. There is strong support for stricter enforcement of existing noise regulations and for clearer guidelines on acceptable noise levels and times. Several respondents requested earlier quiet hours, with suggestions ranging from 9pm to 11pm as the cutoff for loud activities. Some mentioned specific issues with commercial establishments and short-term rentals causing disturbances [e.g..
A number of comments highlighted the negative impact of noise on sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life. There were calls for increased penalties for repeat offenders and for better responsiveness from local authorities when complaints are made. A few respondents suggested community education initiatives to raise awareness about the ordinance and respectful behavior.
Some users noted the importance of balancing enforcement with the needs of businesses and community events, advocating for reasonable exceptions for special occasions. Others raised concerns about the effectiveness of current complaint systems and asked for more transparency in how noise complaints are handled.
Overall, the most common themes were the desire for stricter enforcement, clearer rules, and earlier quiet hours, with many emphasizing the impact of noise on daily life and well-being.