Noise from Specific Sources in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
5 verified noise from specific sources rules for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Chesapeake's noise ordinance exempts HVAC equipment outright. Sec. 26-141(15) excuses 'noises generated by the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units...attached to a building or structure' from every limit in the article, so a running condenser or heat pump can't be cited no matter how loud a neighbor finds it.
Chesapeake HVAC Unit Noise Exemption
Few RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 26-141(15)
(15)Noises generated by the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC units) attached to a building or structure.
Car Alarm Limits
Chesapeake exempts automobile alarms from its noise ordinance only until the owner or tenant has been notified and given a reasonable chance to shut it off. After notice, an alarm that keeps sounding loses the exemption under Sec. 26-141(6).
Chesapeake Car Alarm Noise Exemption
Few RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 26-141(6)
The following activities shall be exempt from this article: ...(6)Noises generated by fire alarms, automobile alarms and burglar alarms, prior to the giving of notice and a reasonable opportunity for the owner or tenant in possession of the premises served by any such alarm to turn off the alarm.
Generator Noise
Chesapeake's noise ordinance exempts backup generators run during power outages or emergencies from any decibel limit, and lets industrial-district power plants run generators up to 2,000 hours a year without a violation, provided neighbors aren't harmed. City Code Sec. 26-141(13)-(14) lists both carve-outs inside the general noise article.
Chesapeake Generator Noise Exemption
Light RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 26-141(13)-(14)
(13)Noises created by the operation of any power generation facility, provided that such power generation facility is located within an industrial district, that the operation of such facility is conducted less than 2,000 cumulative hours per calendar year and causes no harm to adjacent properties or residents.(14)Noises created by the operation of generators during power outages or under other...
Delivery Truck Noise
Loading, unloading, or handling containers, boxes, and crates near residential property is banned in Chesapeake between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. if it is audible 50 feet or more onto a residentially zoned lot, under Sec. 26-125.
Chesapeake Truck Loading Noise Near Homes
Some RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 26-125(3)
The following acts are declared to be prohibited if conducted between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. the following day, if generating sound plainly audible on any property used or zoned for residential purposes located a distance of 50 feet or more from the source of the noise: (1)Operating on any private property a street sweeper or similar item of machinery...(2)Collecting trash or ref...
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Chesapeake tightens its decibel limits by 5 dB for impulsive noise the administrator finds includes amplified bass music, hammering, or riveting, cutting the standard 55/60 dBA cap accordingly under Sec. 26-130(c).
Chesapeake Amplified Bass Noise Standard
Some RestrictionsChesapeake City Code Sec. 26-130(c)
(c)Should the administrator determine the noise to be of an impulsive character (such as hammering, riveting or amplified bass music) or contain a steady, pure tone (such as a whine, screech or hum), the standard limits set forth in the maximum dB (Column 1) of Table 1 shall be reduced by five (5) dB.