Noise Ordinances in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Chesapeake quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under Chesapeake City Code Chapter 38 (Noise). Unreasonable sound audible at 50 feet from the property line is prohibited, and violations are handled as civil infractions escalating to a Class 3 misdemeanor for repeat offenses. Enforcement is complaint-driven by Chesapeake Police.
Noise: Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Construction noise in Chesapeake is limited to 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with no Sunday or legal holiday work permitted in residential areas. Emergency repairs and utility work are exempt. Commercial sites adjacent to residential zones follow the same limits under City Code Chapter 38.
Noise: Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minutes or intermittently for 60 minutes can trigger a citation. Chesapeake Animal Services handles complaints jointly with Police.
Noise: Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) and is permitted during standard daytime hours. HOAs in master-planned communities may set stricter rules.
Noise: Leaf Blowers
Few RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with amplified sound generally require a special event permit. Car audio systems audible at 50 feet are subject to citation any time of day.
Noise: Amplified Music
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Aircraft noise in Chesapeake is federally preempted and governed by the FAA. Residents near NS Norfolk, Naval Station Oceana (Virginia Beach), Chesapeake Regional Airport (CPK), and Norfolk International (ORF) fall under federal and military flight patterns. Chesapeake has no ability to restrict aircraft operations.
Noise: Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Commercial operations in Chesapeake must keep sound within property boundaries and follow stricter limits adjacent to residential zones. Loading docks, HVAC, generators, and refrigeration units are all regulated under City Code Chapter 38. Industrial sites in South Norfolk and Deep Creek have specific buffer requirements.
Noise: Commercial Noise
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited under City Code Chapter 38. State law (VA 46.2-1049) requires all vehicles to have properly maintained mufflers.
Noise: Vehicle Noise
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 46.2-1049
§ 46.2-1049 . Exhaust system in good working order. No person shall drive and no owner of a vehicle shall permit or allow the operation of any such vehicle on a highway unless it is equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise, provided, however, that for motor vehicles, such exhaust system shall be of a type ins...
Looking for Chesapeake City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chesapeake city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Chesapeake City →