Noise from Specific Sources in Frederick County, VA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Frederick County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, § 165-705.01.A(5)(c) requires every data center's cooling, ventilating and power-supply equipment, ground-mounted or roof-mounted, to include low-noise emission fans, acoustic wraps on compressors and oil separators, and an acoustic perimeter around chillers, documented with technical specifications at each building permit.
Frederick County Data Center HVAC Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-705.01.A(5)(c)
(c) Any equipment necessary for cooling, ventilating, or otherwise operating the facility, including power generators or other power supply equipment on the property, whether ground-mounted or roof-mounted, shall include the following noise-mitigation elements: [1] Low-noise emission fans. [2] Acoustic wraps for compressors and oil separators. [3] An acoustic perimeter, which may include a peri...
Generator Noise
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, § 165-705.01.A(2) confines data center generator testing and cycling to weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and requires all generator noise to independently meet the performance standards in Article VIII, Part 801 of the Zoning Ordinance regardless of the testing window.
Frederick County Data Center Generator Hours
Some RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-705.01.A(2)
(2) Generator testing and cycling shall be limited to weekdays (Monday to Friday) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, all noise generated by any on-site generator shall comply with Article VIII, Part 801, of this chapter.
Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Frederick County defines 'plainly audible' noise to specifically include rhythmic bass tones, so music that carries mainly as thumping bass across a property line can violate the noise ordinance even without a decibel reading.
Bass Noise Rule in Frederick County, VA
Some RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 118-4.C
The term "plainly audible" shall mean any sound that can be heard clearly by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. When music is involved, the detection of rhythmic bass tones shall be sufficient to be considered plainly audible sound.
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