Arlington County, VA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Octave bands measured
- 31.5 Hz through 8,000 Hz
- Industrial 31.5 Hz cap
- 85 dB
- Industrial 63 Hz cap
- 84 dB
- Residential Nighttime 31.5 Hz cap
- 70 dB
- Residential Nighttime 63 Hz cap
- 69 dB
- Standard used for
- Bass/subwoofer, low-frequency complaints
Summary
Beyond its overall dBA ceiling, Arlington County's Table I sets separate octave-band limits reaching down to 31.5 Hz, the deep bass range that A-weighted meters underrate. Industrial zones cap 31.5 Hz at 85 dB and 63 Hz at 84 dB; residential zones at night cap those same bands at 70 dB and 69 dB.
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE NOISE LEVELS FROM STATIONARY SOURCES ... Zoning District Time of Day Continuous Noise (dBA) Impulsive Noise (dB) 'Continuous' Center Octave Octave Band Center CM, M-1 & M-2 P-S All 70 120 Frequency (Hz) dBA component 31.5 85 63 84 125 79 250 74 500 68 1,000 62 2,000 57 4,000 53 8,000 50
Full Breakdown
5 Hz up through 8,000 Hz for each zoning district and time period, so a noise source can violate the ordinance on a specific low-frequency band even where its overall A-weighted level would pass. 5 Hz, 84 dB at 63 Hz, 79 dB at 125 Hz, stepping down to 50 dB at 8,000 Hz. 5 Hz and 69 dB at 63 Hz. Because A-weighting discounts bass frequencies the human ear perceives as loud when it carries through walls, this table is the operative standard for subwoofer, bass-amplifier or low-frequency mechanical complaints, not the single continuous-dBA figure alone.
C standards used for the rest of Table I, taken from the curb, pavement edge, or receiving property, or, in a multi-unit structure, from a common area or a point at least four feet inside a consenting unit.
Violations & Fines
A source that exceeds any individual octave band for its zoning district and time period, even if its overall dBA reading is compliant, violates § 15-5 and can be charged as a misdemeanor under § 15-9 (a fine of $100 to $2,500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, per day) or cited civilly under § 15-10 ($250 first offense, $500 for each later one, each hour unabated a separate violation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arlington County regulate bass noise separately from overall loudness?
What is the low-frequency noise limit near a residential area at night?
Are low-frequency limits higher in industrial areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington County
Compare Arlington County to another location·View the Virginia noise from specific sources overview
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