Arcola, VA

Loudoun County Codified Ordinances Chapter 684 prohibits unreasonable noise audible across property lines 10 PM to 7 AM. VA Code §15.2-1200 and §18.2-415 provide enforcement authority for Dillon's Rule counties.

Loudoun County requires special event permits for amplified sound at public venues. Loudoun's wine and wedding industry concentrates events in rural western county under AR-1/AR-2 zoning.

Loudoun County Chapter 612 makes persistent barking that disturbs neighbors a nuisance. Loudoun Animal Services (703-777-0406) investigates; agricultural operations protected by Right to Farm.

Loudoun County restricts construction noise to 7 AM to 9 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 9 PM weekends/holidays under Chapter 684. Data center construction in Ashburn follows same rules but with frequent variances.

Loudoun County has no leaf-blower-specific restrictions; use falls under general noise ordinance timing limits. Many Ashburn, Brambleton, and Leesburg HOAs set stricter landscaping hours.

Loudoun County prohibits sound audible inside another person's residential dwelling with doors and windows closed under Codified Ordinance Chapter 654.02. Amplified music and voice are specifically referenced in the zoning noise standards (Section 5-1507). Special event permits may authorize amplified sound for festivals and community events. Fines range from $500 to $2,500.

Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Section 5-1507 sets maximum A-weighted sound levels: 55 dBA at residential property lines (day and night). Commercial receiving zones allow 60 dBA. These limits are increasingly relevant as data center cooling equipment generates continuous noise near residential areas. Phase 2 of data center regulations (approved September 2025) is reviewing noise standards.

Ashburn sits directly in Dulles International Airport flight paths, making aircraft noise a major community concern. The FAA controls all flight paths — Loudoun County has no direct authority. The county established the Airport Impact Overlay District in its zoning ordinance. The Board of Supervisors has lobbied the FAA to alter departure procedures west of Dulles. Noise complaints go through the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) system.

Industrial noise in unincorporated Loudoun County is governed by Section 5-1507 (Noise Standards) of the Zoning Ordinance, with Table 5-1507(E) capping sound at the receiving property line at 55 dBA for residential, 60 dBA for mixed-use, 65 dBA for commercial/civic, and 70 dBA for industrial uses. Loudoun County Code Chapter 654 (Excessive Sound) adds a criminal layer enforced by the Sheriff. Recent data center amendments (ZOAM-2024-0001, adopted March 18, 2025) require Special Exception review and impose specific noise study, soundproofing, and generator-testing standards on data centers near residential property.

Loudoun Zoning permits chickens and livestock by right in AR/TR zones. Residential (R-1 to R-4) districts require minimum lot size for chickens; roosters typically prohibited in HOA subdivisions.

Loudoun County does not ban specific breeds. Virginia does not preempt local BSL but Loudoun uses a behavior-based dangerous dog framework under VA §3.2-6540.

Loudoun Chapter 612 requires dogs on leash (max 6 ft) in public areas except at designated off-leash parks (Brambleton, Ashburn, Franklin). VA §3.2-6538 governs dogs running at large.

Loudoun Zoning permits beekeeping in AR, TR, and most residential zones subject to setback rules. VDACS registration required under VA §3.2-4400. County is home to active beekeeper association.

Virginia legalized consumer fireworks in 2021 (HB 2201, VA Code §27-97). Loudoun County may restrict discharge hours and locations.

Loudoun prohibits open burning of trash, construction debris, and yard waste within 300 feet of occupied buildings. VA 4 PM Law applies Feb 15 to Apr 30. Burn permit required from VDOF for agricultural burns.

Loudoun County has no statutory defensible space mandate but Virginia Department of Forestry enforces fire prevention statewide. Western Loudoun's wooded AR zones face elevated spring/fall fire risk.

Loudoun County permits recreational fire pits up to 3 feet diameter with 15-foot structure setback under Fire Prevention Code. VA 4 PM Burning Law (VA §10.1-1142) applies Feb 15 to Apr 30.

Loudoun pool barriers must meet Virginia USBC minimum 48-inch height with self-closing, self-latching gates latched at least 54 inches high. Anti-climb features required.

Loudoun County requires building and zoning permits for all in-ground pools and most above-ground pools over 24 inches deep or 5,000 gallons. Virginia USBC governs construction standards.

Loudoun pools follow Virginia USBC and federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act. Anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI electrical, and barrier required. VDH regulates HOA community pools.

Loudoun allows accessory dwelling units in specific zoning districts under VA Code §15.2-2292.1. 2023 state law requires localities over 3,500 population to permit at least one ADU type.

Loudoun requires building permits for garage conversions under Virginia USBC. Conversions in HOA neighborhoods often require architectural approval; parking replacement may be required.

Loudoun exempts sheds under 256 square feet from building permits but zoning setback and lot coverage rules still apply. Drone/airspace restrictions near Dulles do not affect shed construction.

Under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (adopted December 13, 2023), a carport is defined as any space outside a building, contiguous to it, wholly or partly covered by a roof, and used for shelter of motor vehicles. Detached accessory structures may generally be located as close as 5 feet from side and rear lot lines provided no windows or doors face the encroached yard; attached carports must meet the principal-structure setbacks of the underlying zoning district. A building permit is required for any carport.

Loudoun requires zoning clearance for most residential fences; building permits typically not required under 7 feet. Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and height needed.

Virginia has no shared fence cost statute — each Loudoun property owner maintains their own fence. VA §55.1-2821 partition fence law applies to agricultural boundary fences in Loudoun's horse country.

Loudoun Zoning Ordinance allows 6-foot fences in side/rear yards and 4-foot fences in front yards in residential zones. Horse country AR zones allow taller agricultural fencing.

Loudoun permits wood, vinyl, aluminum, and 3-board wood fencing in horse country. Barbed wire restricted to agricultural zones. Historic districts require traditional materials reviewed by HDRC.

Loudoun County STRs pay 6% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) plus 6% VA sales tax (5.3% state + 0.7% NOVA regional) = about 12% total. Registration with Commissioner of the Revenue required.

Loudoun STRs must comply with Chapter 684 noise limits plus any zoning permit conditions. No parties or events beyond approved occupancy; hosts must respond to complaints within 60 minutes.

Loudoun County zoning typically requires one off-street parking space per bedroom for STRs. No on-street parking in many Ashburn, Brambleton, and Lansdowne HOA neighborhoods.

Loudoun County requires STR registration through the Commissioner of the Revenue per VA Code §15.2-983. Zoning Ordinance restricts STRs to specific districts; primary residence rules apply in most zones.

Loudoun County does not publish a fixed numeric guest cap (e.g., two-per-bedroom) for short-term rentals. Instead, occupancy is bounded by three overlapping rules: the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance family/dwelling occupancy standard, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code/International Property Maintenance Code bedroom-area minimums, and, for properties on septic, the maximum capacity of the individual sewage disposal system permitted with the Loudoun County Health Department.

Loudoun County's Short-Term Residential Rental (STRR) zoning regulations and annual registration program do not impose a specific liability-insurance minimum on operators. Virginia Code §15.2-983 (the state STR registry enabling statute) likewise does not require localities to mandate insurance. Hosts should still verify that their homeowners/landlord policy covers commercial short-term rental use, since standard HO-3 policies typically exclude it.

Most Loudoun streets are VDOT-maintained with state parking rules. Town streets in Leesburg and Purcellville have local limits. No parking within 15 feet of hydrants or blocking trails.

Loudoun Zoning Ordinance prohibits commercial vehicles over 12,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones. One work van typically allowed. Dulles-area trucking and data center service vehicles concentrated on industrial parcels.

Loudoun driveways must meet VDOT entrance standards on state roads and county subdivision standards elsewhere. No parking on front lawns; driveway expansion in HOA neighborhoods requires approval.

Loudoun Zoning Ordinance restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential districts to side/rear yards on paved or gravel surfaces. HOAs in Ashburn, Brambleton, and Lansdowne typically prohibit visible RV storage entirely.

Loudoun Zoning Ordinance permits home occupations with permit in residential districts. VA Code §15.2-2292 authorizes regulation; Dillon's Rule limits county authority. BPOL license from Commissioner of Revenue.

Loudoun Zoning Ordinance generally prohibits home business signage in residential districts. Exceptions for home occupations are limited to one 2-square-foot nameplate in some districts.

Loudoun home occupations typically limited to minimal customer visits — zoning ordinance requires business remain secondary to residential use. Off-street parking required for any visitors.

Loudoun County does not designate public vending zones — food trucks operate primarily on private property (wineries, breweries, data center campuses, event venues) with property owner consent and proper zoning. Street vending from public rights-of-way is generally prohibited in unincorporated Loudoun and restricted in Leesburg (Town Code §18-41). Downtown Leesburg and Purcellville allow food trucks only during permitted special events or at designated farmers markets. Data center campuses in Ashburn host regular food truck rotations.

Food trucks in Loudoun County need a Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Mobile Food Unit permit, a Loudoun County Business License (BPOL) if gross receipts exceed $500,000, and zoning approval based on the specific location (private property, commercial district, or special event). Incorporated towns like Leesburg, Purcellville, Middleburg, and Hillsboro have their own separate permits. Commissary agreement required. Fairs, wineries, and breweries along the Route 7/15 corridor are major venues.

Loudoun County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces floodplain management under Codified Ordinances Chapter 1340. FEMA flood zone maps (current effective date February 2012, with amendments) designate Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along Potomac River, Goose Creek, Catoctin Creek, Broad Run, Sugarland Run, and numerous smaller streams. New construction in SFHA requires Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus 2 ft freeboard. Floodways prohibit all construction. Flood insurance required for federally-backed mortgages in SFHAs.

Loudoun County enforces robust stormwater management under Ordinance Chapter 1096 and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act (VA Code §62.1-44.15:24). Land disturbance over 2,500 sq ft in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (RPA) or 10,000 sq ft elsewhere triggers stormwater plan review. VSMP permits issued through Loudoun Building & Development. Ashburn data center construction is a major stormwater compliance area. Low-impact development (rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavers) encouraged.

Loudoun County enforces the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law (VA Code §62.1-44.15:51) through Loudoun Ord. Ch. 1244. Any land disturbance of 10,000 sq ft or more requires an Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC) permit; stricter 2,500 sq ft threshold inside Chesapeake Bay RPAs. Required BMPs: silt fence, sediment traps, stabilized construction entrances, soil stabilization. Certified Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) oversight required on-site. Violations carry daily fines up to $32,500.

Loudoun County is not a coastal locality — it lies 90+ miles inland from the Atlantic and is not subject to the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program or tidal water regulations. The county does have the Potomac River as a northern boundary (non-tidal above Great Falls) and participates in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act through Ord. Ch. 1220 which imposes 100-ft Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffers along perennial streams. No sea-level rise planning applies. No Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) jurisdiction.

Loudoun County requires grading permits integrated with building permits and Erosion & Sediment Control approvals for land disturbance over 10,000 sq ft (2,500 sq ft in RPA). Drainage cannot be redirected to neighboring properties per common-law and the Facilities Standards Manual. Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineering and permits. Compaction testing required for structural fill. Loudoun's rolling terrain and clay soils make grading compliance especially important. VDOT drainage coordination required where near public roads.

Boat dock permits have limited applicability in Loudoun County. The county borders the Potomac River but has no significant public marina infrastructure. Private docks on the Potomac require permits from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) and Army Corps of Engineers. Most Ashburn residents have no waterfront access — HOA ponds prohibit docks and boats.

Sea wall maintenance regulations do not apply to Loudoun County. Loudoun is an inland county in northern Virginia with no ocean or tidal waterfront. The county's waterways consist of the Potomac River and its tributaries, which are regulated under different riparian frameworks. Shoreline stabilization along the Potomac falls under Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia Marine Resources Commission jurisdiction.

Mangrove protection regulations do not apply to Loudoun County. Mangroves are tropical coastal plants that do not exist in Virginia. Loudoun County is an inland county approximately 50 miles from the Chesapeake Bay. The county's tree protection falls under its tree conservation ordinance and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area regulations.

Loudoun County permits temporary garage sale signs under Zoning §5-1200 as a form of noncommercial temporary sign — typically 4-6 square feet, on private property only with owner consent. Signs in VDOT public rights-of-way (Route 7, 15, 50, 28, 9, most subdivision streets) are prohibited per VA Code §33.2-1224 and removed on sight. Signs must come down within 24 hours of sale end. HOA covenants often impose stricter limits. Repeat offenders face escalating citations.

Political signs in Loudoun County are allowed on private property with size limits per Zoning Ordinance §5-1200. Maximum 6 sq ft per sign in residential zones; 32 sq ft in commercial/industrial. Signs in VDOT public rights-of-way prohibited (VA Code §33.2-1224). No time limits on display (content-neutral post-Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 2015). Must be removed within 10 days after election per Loudoun zoning. First Amendment protections against content-based restrictions.

Door-to-door commercial soliciting in Loudoun County requires a Peddler's Permit from the Loudoun County Department of Fire-Rescue (issuing authority per Ord. Ch. 1056). Applicants submit to a background check, pay a fee, and carry a photo ID badge while canvassing. Hours restricted to 9 AM - 8 PM per county ordinance. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing exempt under First Amendment (Watchtower v. Village of Stratton, 2002). Incorporated towns (Leesburg, Purcellville) issue their own permits.

Loudoun County does not maintain a central no-knock registry, but residents can post 'No Soliciting' or 'No Trespassing' signs that are legally enforceable under VA Code §18.2-119 (trespass after forbidden). Solicitors ignoring clearly posted signs face citations under Ord. Ch. 1056 plus state trespass charges. Most Ashburn, Brambleton, Broadlands, and Lansdowne HOAs also prohibit soliciting community-wide — ignoring HOA signs triggers additional trespass liability.

Loudoun County does not have a juvenile curfew ordinance. Virginia state law (VA Code §15.2-926) permits localities to enact juvenile curfews, but Loudoun has not done so. Leesburg (Town Code §24-92) has a limited juvenile curfew: persons under 17 prohibited in public places 11 PM - 6 AM weekdays, midnight - 6 AM weekends. Parents liable for violations. Standard exceptions for work, school, emergencies, and parental accompaniment.

Loudoun County parks operate on posted hours regulated by Loudoun County Codified Ordinances Chapter 1080 (Parks and Recreation). Most parks open dawn to dusk; lighted parks like Franklin Park may stay open until 10 PM. After-hours presence is a Class 4 misdemeanor trespass. Ball Park and sports venues close at 11 PM. Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve closes sunset. NOVA Parks regional facilities (Algonkian, Red Rock, Temple Hall Farm) set their own hours. Town parks in Leesburg and Purcellville have separate closing rules.

Recreational drone use in Loudoun County is tightly constrained by proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — nearly all of eastern Loudoun lies within Class B airspace or the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), where recreational flight is effectively prohibited without FAA authorization. Western Loudoun is mostly Class G but still near Leesburg Executive (JYO). FAA registration required for drones over 0.55 lb; TRUST test mandatory. Loudoun Parks prohibits drone launches in all county-operated parks per Loudoun County Ordinance Ch. 1080.

Commercial drone operations in Loudoun County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate plus DC SFRA authorization for most of eastern Loudoun. Operations near Washington Dulles (IAD) and Leesburg Executive (JYO) require LAANC authorization. Loudoun has a thriving commercial drone industry tied to data centers in Ashburn and real estate — but operators face the most restrictive airspace in the nation. County Public Affairs requires notification for commercial filming on county property; no drone operations in parks.

Loudoun County does not require a permit for residential garage or yard sales in unincorporated areas. Sales must comply with general property maintenance, sign, and zoning rules. HOAs in Ashburn, Brambleton, Broadlands, and Lansdowne commonly restrict or require coordination for community sales. Incorporated towns — Leesburg (Town Code §26), Purcellville, Middleburg, Hamilton, and Round Hill — may require registration. No state permit required.

Loudoun County does not impose specific frequency limits on residential garage sales. Sustained or recurring sales, however, may cross into home-business territory, requiring BPOL licensing and triggering zoning enforcement. HOAs in Loudoun's planned communities frequently limit individual household sales to 1-2 per year and coordinate community-wide sale weekends. No state limit. Leesburg and Purcellville rely on general home-business regulations rather than specific sale counts.

Loudoun County does not set specific garage sale hours in ordinance, but sales must respect general noise ordinance hours (typically 7 AM to 10 PM, and 9 AM to 10 PM on weekends under Ord. Ch. 684). Most Loudoun garage sales run 8 AM to 2 PM Friday-Sunday. HOAs routinely limit to 8 AM-4 PM. Items, tables, and signs must be removed at sale close. No sales on holidays restricted, but consider traffic impact.

Home cannabis cultivation is legal in Loudoun County under Virginia state law (VA Code §4.1-1101) — adults 21+ may grow up to 4 plants per household (not per person). Plants must be out of public view, tagged with owner's name and ID, and kept away from those under 21. Loudoun County has not added local cultivation restrictions. Growing for sale remains illegal. HOAs may restrict visible grows. Federal law still prohibits cannabis.

Virginia's recreational cannabis retail market remains unlaunched as of 2026 — no licensed recreational dispensaries operate. Medical cannabis is available through pharmaceutical processors licensed by the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). Loudoun County has no county-designated cannabis retail zoning. When state retail launches, Virginia grants local opt-out authority (VA Code §4.1-629) — Loudoun County has not indicated clear policy yet. Medical facilities would fall under pharmacy zoning in C-4 / CLI commercial districts.

Loudoun County does not maintain a county-wide rental registration program. Individual incorporated towns vary: Leesburg has no general registration. Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) and Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) cover habitability. Loudoun Building and Development inspects on complaint basis. Short-term rentals (Airbnb) require separate permitting under Ord. Ch. 1680. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to short-term rentals. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 buildings federally.

Rent control is prohibited in Virginia. Virginia is a Dillon's Rule state and has not granted localities authority to impose rent control under VA Code §15.2-2223. Loudoun County rents are entirely market-determined. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, VA Code §55.1-1200). Ashburn and Leesburg rental rates among the highest in Virginia due to tech sector and proximity to DC.

Virginia has no just-cause eviction law. Landlords follow Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, VA Code §55.1-1200+). Non-renewal of fixed-term leases and no-cause termination of month-to-month tenancies are permitted with proper notice. Evictions for cause (non-payment, lease violation) follow state notice timelines: 5-Day Pay or Quit for rent; 21/30 notice for material lease breach. Self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoff) are illegal. Loudoun evictions filed in General District Court.

Loudoun County does not require tree removal permits on private residential property outside regulated areas. Tree removal in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) — 100 ft buffers along perennial streams, Potomac, Goose Creek — is heavily restricted per VA Code §10.1-2109 and Loudoun Ord. Ch. 1220. Subdivision landscape plans also protect preserved trees. Development sites follow the Facilities Standards Manual tree preservation rules. Street trees and HOA-managed trees have additional protections.

Loudoun County does not have a formal Heritage or Landmark Tree program. Protection for significant trees comes through the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area overlay (Ord. Ch. 1220), subdivision preservation plans, and historic district regulations (Goose Creek, Waterford, Middleburg, Aldie). The Loudoun County Tree Commission promotes tree stewardship. Virginia Department of Forestry maintains the Virginia Champion Tree Registry — trees listed are recognized but not legally protected by the state. Historic properties and scenic byways (Route 50, Snickersville Turnpike) have informal protections via conservation easements.

Loudoun County requires tree replacement primarily through the Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) Chapter 3 (Landscaping) for development site plans, not for residential tree removals. New subdivisions must meet canopy coverage targets (10-20% depending on zone). Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area tree removal requires restoration planting. Loudoun encourages native Virginia species (white oak, red maple, tulip poplar, flowering dogwood). The Loudoun Tree Bank and Plant NOVA Natives programs provide guidance.

Loudoun County does not operate curbside trash collection — service is provided by private haulers or through HOAs. Most incorporated towns (Leesburg, Purcellville, Hamilton) and HOA communities in Ashburn, Brambleton, and Broadlands set their own placement rules. Bins must typically be set curbside the evening before or morning of collection and removed within 12 to 24 hours. Containers must be stored out of public view between pickups, usually in a side yard, rear yard, or garage.

Loudoun County residents dispose of bulk items primarily through their private hauler (which may charge extra) or by hauling items directly to the county landfill off Evergreen Mills Road in Leesburg. Free electronics recycling, household hazardous waste, and tire drop-off events run monthly. Mattresses, furniture, and white goods accepted at the landfill for tipping fees ($58 per ton minimum). Illegal dumping along Route 7, Route 15, and rural byways carries stiff penalties under VA Code §33.2-802.

Loudoun County requires recycling of paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastics #1 and #2 per VA Code §10.1-1411 (Virginia Recycling Rate mandate — 25% minimum). The county's recycling drop-off centers accept materials free, and private haulers typically provide commingled recycling carts. Plastic bags, foam, and food waste contaminate loads and trigger rejection. Loudoun's recycling rate consistently exceeds 40%, among the highest in Virginia. Commercial generators must report recycling data to VDEQ.

Loudoun County does not provide municipal trash pickup — residents in unincorporated areas contract with private haulers (Patriot Disposal, Republic Services, American Disposal). Towns of Leesburg and Purcellville offer municipal service.

Loudoun County lot coverage limits vary by zone: R-1 residential typically 30% building coverage; PD-H (Ashburn, Brambleton) often 50-60% based on approved plan. A-3 Agricultural Rural has very low coverage (under 10%). Total impervious surface (buildings plus driveways and patios) may trigger stormwater management per Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area standards. PD-IP industrial (data centers) can approach 70-80% coverage. The Facilities Standards Manual supplements zoning with engineering standards.

Loudoun County setbacks vary dramatically by zoning district — from 10-15 ft in Planned Development districts (Ashburn, Brambleton) to 100+ ft in rural A-3 Agricultural zones west of Route 15. The Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance (with 2023 amendments) governs. Typical suburban residential R-1: 40 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear. JLMA (Joint Land Management Area) and Rural Policy Area setbacks protect Loudoun's horse country character. Lot width and setback exceptions in cluster subdivisions. Variances require Board of Zoning Appeals hearing.

Loudoun County residential height limits typically 35 feet / 2.5 stories in R-1 and R-2 zones. Rural A-3 Agricultural allows 40 feet for primary dwellings, higher for silos and agricultural barns. PD-H (Ashburn, Brambleton) heights set by approved plan, often 35-40 ft. Commercial and industrial zones allow 60-75 ft. Data center zones (PD-IP, CLI) permit up to 90-100 ft for tall data centers. Measured from average finished grade to roof ridge. Dulles airport proximity imposes FAA Part 77 height limits regardless of zoning.

Loudoun County does not require property owners to clear snow from sidewalks — VDOT maintains most roads but snow/ice removal on privately-adjacent sidewalks is unregulated in unincorporated Loudoun. Leesburg Town Code §26-41 requires snow removal within 24 hours after storm ends. HOAs commonly require resident clearing within 24-48 hours. Ice cannot be pushed into streets. Slip-and-fall liability remains a concern for any property owner.

Loudoun County treats garage and yard sales under general property maintenance standards in Ord. Ch. 1040. Items must be displayed in an orderly fashion, not scattered, and removed from public view at the end of each sale day. Signs must come down when the sale ends. Sustained clutter, unsold items at the curb, or visible debris afterward triggers blight enforcement. HOA covenants add stricter appearance requirements. Incorporated towns apply their own property maintenance codes.

Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance §5-652 caps illuminance at 0.1 foot-candle at residential property lines from non-residential sources. Light trespass complaints handled by Loudoun Code Enforcement. Virginia common-law nuisance supports civil action against excessive neighbor lighting. Rural western Loudoun sees frequent complaints about unshielded barn lights and security lights. Commercial violations escalate quickly; residential disputes often handled via mediation or HOA covenants.

Loudoun County enforces outdoor lighting standards through Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance §5-652 (Outdoor Lighting Performance Standards). New installations must use full-cutoff fixtures directing light downward. Maximum illuminance at property lines specified. Data center campuses in Ashburn have specific lighting standards to limit spillover. Middleburg area and rural western Loudoun have stronger dark-sky interests due to horse country and agritourism. Sky Meadows State Park nearby is a designated IDA Dark Sky area. Incorporated towns have their own standards.

Businesses selling goods in Loudoun County must obtain a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) from the Commissioner of the Revenue. However, the Board of Supervisors approved a BPOL exemption for itinerant vendors at special events lasting 7 days or fewer. Food vendors must separately obtain temporary food permits from the Health Department.

Loudoun County does not designate formal street vending zones like urban jurisdictions. Commercial vending is governed by zoning district regulations. Most organized vending occurs at farmers markets, community events, and commercial developments. Ashburn's master-planned communities often designate commercial areas (One Loudoun, Ashburn Village) where vendor activity concentrates.

Loudoun County does not have a specific vending cart ordinance. Mobile food carts and vending carts are regulated through BPOL licensing, Health Department food permits (for food carts), and zoning restrictions on commercial activity locations. Food carts at events are covered under the temporary food establishment permit process.

Lead paint in Loudoun County is regulated by Virginia's Lead-Based Paint Activities Regulations (18 VAC 15-30) and federal EPA RRP Rule. Contractors performing renovation in pre-1978 housing must be EPA-certified. Virginia DPOR licenses lead inspectors, risk assessors, and abatement contractors. Loudoun County enforces through the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Pest control in Loudoun County follows Virginia's Pesticide Control Act (VA Code §3.2-3900 et seq.) administered by VDACS. Commercial applicators must hold Virginia SPCA licenses. HOA communities must provide 48-hour advance notice of pesticide applications in common areas under VA Code §55.1-1831. Loudoun County Environmental Health investigates public health pest issues.

Virginia provides multiple dispute resolution paths for HOA conflicts under the POA Act. The Common Interest Community Board (CICB) offers a complaint process for regulatory violations. VA Code §55.1-1819 allows members to petition circuit court for violations. Many Loudoun County HOAs also offer internal dispute resolution and mediation procedures.

Ashburn and most of Loudoun County are governed by HOAs under the Virginia Property Owners' Association Act (VA Code §55.1-1800 et seq.). Board meetings must be open to all members except limited executive sessions. Minutes must be recorded and made available. Annual meetings require 10-day advance notice. The POA Act was significantly updated in 2024 with HB 1209 expanding board assessment authority.

Most Ashburn communities require Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval before exterior modifications. Under VA Code §55.1-1811, HOAs may establish and enforce design guidelines. Denials must be in writing with reasons stated. The POA Act requires decisions within 45 days or the request is deemed approved.

HOA assessments in Ashburn are governed by VA Code §55.1-1815. Associations must provide annual budgets and may levy regular and special assessments as authorized by the declaration. HB 1209 (2024) expanded board authority to levy additional assessments for common area maintenance without a full membership vote. Liens for unpaid assessments attach automatically.

CC&R enforcement in Ashburn HOAs is backed by Virginia's POA Act and recorded declarations. Associations may enforce restrictive covenants through fines, lien authority, and court action. Virginia requires written notice of violations and opportunity to cure before penalties. Statute of limitations for covenant enforcement is 5 years.

Neighborhood block parties in Loudoun County that involve street closures require a Special Event Permit through the Office of Emergency Management, Safety and Security. Events on private HOA common areas may need only HOA approval. VDOT approval is required for any road closure on state-maintained roads. The permit process is handled through the LandMARC online system.

Events in Loudoun County parks require permits from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS). Facility reservations are available online. Events with 50+ attendees, amplified sound, temporary structures, or commercial activity need Special Event Permits. The county operates 70+ parks and facilities including popular Ashburn-area parks like Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park.

Sidewalk maintenance in Loudoun County is split between VDOT, the county, HOAs, and property owners depending on the road classification and development agreement. Most subdivision sidewalks in Ashburn are maintained by HOAs per recorded covenants. VDOT maintains sidewalks within state-maintained road rights-of-way. The county maintains sidewalks on county-owned facilities. Residents report damage through VDOT's Customer Service Center or the county's Loudoun Express Request (LEx) system.

Loudoun County prohibits obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way. Under the Codified Ordinances and Virginia Code, placing objects, signs, merchandise, or debris on sidewalks that impede pedestrian passage is prohibited. Construction projects near sidewalks must provide safe pedestrian detours. HOA covenants in Ashburn communities add additional restrictions on items placed near sidewalks including landscaping, parked vehicles, and recreational equipment.

Any work within VDOT's right-of-way in Loudoun County, including sidewalk areas, requires a VDOT Land Use Permit per 24 VAC 30-151. This includes utility installation, driveway construction, landscaping, and any structure that encroaches into the right-of-way. Applications are processed through VDOT's Leesburg Residency office. The county's Zoning Ordinance also regulates encroachments into required setbacks and easements on private property.

Loudoun County enforces strict noise standards for HVAC and mechanical cooling equipment under Zoning Ordinance Section 5-1507 and Codified Ordinances Chapter 654.02. With Ashburn being the epicenter of 'Data Center Alley' (hosting 70%+ of the world's internet traffic), data center cooling systems are a major noise source. Maximum sound levels at residential property lines are 55 dBA. As of March 2025, data centers now require Special Exception approval with enhanced noise mitigation including pre- and post-construction noise studies, soundproofed mechanical equipment, and bermed buffers.

Bars, lounges, taverns, and nightclubs in Loudoun County are subject to both Zoning Ordinance noise limits (Section 5-1507) and the general noise ordinance (Chapter 654.02). The definition of 'restaurant' in Chapter 654.02 explicitly includes bars, lounges, taverns, coffee shops, and cafes. Amplified music audible at 100 feet or more is specifically prohibited, with enhanced restrictions between 11 PM and 7 AM. Maximum sound at residential property lines is 55 dBA.

Loudoun County Codified Ordinances Section 654.02(d)(6) specifically prohibits the continuous or intermittent sounding of any horn, signaling device, or alarm on a motor vehicle for more than 20 consecutive seconds, except as a danger warning. If a car alarm sounds continuously for 15 minutes after a law enforcement officer arrives and the owner cannot be located, the vehicle may be towed. Spinning tires and racing engines are also specifically prohibited.

Generator noise in Loudoun County is regulated by Zoning Ordinance Section 5-1507 and Codified Ordinances Chapter 654.02, with specific exemptions for emergency operation. Emergency generators and their testing are exempt from both noise ordinances. However, non-emergency generator operation must comply with the 55 dBA residential limit. Data center backup generators are a significant concern in Ashburn, where hundreds of diesel generators provide redundant power. The 2025 data center SPEX requirements impose limited testing hours and enhanced sound barriers for generator equipment.

Loudoun County has not adopted a formal rental inspection district program under Virginia Code Section 36-105.1:1. Virginia law authorizes localities to establish rental inspection districts but does not require them. The county enforces property maintenance standards through the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (Property Maintenance Code) on a complaint-driven basis rather than through proactive rental inspections. Zoning Enforcement investigates occupancy and maintenance complaints at 703-777-0103.

Rental properties in Loudoun County must meet habitability standards under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA, VA Code Section 55.1-1220) and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (Property Maintenance Code). Landlords must maintain fit and habitable premises including working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and structural integrity. Bedrooms must meet minimum size and egress requirements. The county enforces the Property Maintenance Code through its Zoning Enforcement Team on a complaint basis.

Tenants in Loudoun County can file property maintenance and housing complaints through multiple channels. Zoning Enforcement handles complaints about occupancy violations, exterior property conditions, and maintenance code issues at 703-777-0103. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides a formal written notice process for habitability issues. Tenants are protected from retaliation under VA Code Section 55.1-1258, which prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who file complaints or exercise legal rights.