Charleston, WV Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum distance
- 50 feet from outdoor dining
- Applies to
- street/event vendors with generators
- Max penalty
- $500.00 per offense
- Cross-reference
- also subject to Sec. 78-212 noise control
Summary
Street and event vendors in Charleston running a generator can't operate within 50 feet of any outdoor dining area, and generator noise still can't cross the citywide unreasonable-noise line.
A vendor operating a nonmotorized vending unit or mobilized vending vehicle may not make or cause to be made any unreasonable or excessive noise in violation of section 78-212 of this Code, including noise from generators. Any vendor operating a nonmotorized vending unit or mobilized vending vehicle in conjunction with an operational generator may not operate within 50 feet from any outdoor dining area as defined in this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Charleston's vendor standards ordinance singles out generator noise: a nonmotorized vending unit or mobilized vending vehicle running a generator must stay at least 50 feet from any outdoor dining area, and any generator noise that's unreasonable or excessive violates the city's general noise-control law too. The rule sits in the vendor-standards article alongside bans on sound amplifiers, bells, horns and whistles at vending sites.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $500 per offense under the vendor-standards article; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense, appealable to municipal court within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a food truck run a generator anywhere downtown?
What's the fine for a vendor generator violation in Charleston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.