Noise Ordinances in Richmond, VA (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Richmond Code Chapter 38 prohibits unreasonable noise between 11 PM and 7 AM in residential districts. Sound audible beyond the property line during quiet hours is presumptive evidence of a violation under the city noise ordinance.
Noise: Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Richmond restricts construction noise to 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday and legal holiday construction requires a special permit from the Department of Planning and Development Review.
Noise: Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Richmond Code Section 4 prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or yelping for more than 20 continuous minutes or intermittently for more than one hour. Animal Care and Control issues warnings before citations.
Noise: Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Richmond does not have a dedicated leaf blower ordinance. Leaf blower use falls under the general Chapter 38 noise rules and landscaping-hours restrictions, typically allowed 7 AM to 9 PM.
Noise: Leaf Blowers
Few RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Richmond regulates amplified music through Chapter 38, prohibiting sound plainly audible beyond 50 feet in residential areas and requiring outdoor amplified sound permits for commercial venues in Shockoe Bottom, the Fan, and Carytown.
Noise: Amplified Music
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is federally preempted under the Federal Aviation Act. Richmond International Airport (RIC) sits in Henrico County, not the city; noise concerns are addressed through the Capital Region Airport Commission and FAA Part 150 studies.
Noise: Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Richmond Chapter 38 sets 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime limits at the property line for commercial noise sources including HVAC, loading docks, and refrigeration. Mixed-use districts near the James River have stricter limits.
Noise: Commercial Noise
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
Richmond enforces vehicle noise through Virginia Code 46.2-1049 (adequate muffler) and local Chapter 38 rules. Modified exhaust, loud stereos audible at 50 feet, and engine revving are citable offenses.
Noise: Vehicle Noise
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 46.2-1049
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 installed as standard factory equipment, or comparable ...