Fairfax County, VA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- District
- Airport Noise Impact Overlay
- Noise zones
- DNL 65-70, 70-75, >75 dBA
- Highest zone
- New dwellings generally barred
- Interior standard
- Up to DNL 45 dBA (P1)
- Reviewer
- Zoning Director
Summary
Fairfax County restricts land use and mandates soundproofing near airports through its Airport Noise Impact Overlay District, covering three DNL noise-impact zones.
The Airport Noise Impact Overlay District is established for the general purpose of controlling conflicts between land uses and noise generated by aircraft and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare from the adverse impacts associated with excessive noise.
It is the intent of this overlay district to regulate land uses within designated existing or projected airport noise impact areas by requiring acoustical performance standards. Nothing within this section will be construed as altering building materials or construction methods from those that are specified in the USBC.
https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/fairfaxcounty-va/doc-viewer.aspx#secid--1 141/545 8/18/26, 9:54 PM Document Viewer | Zoning Ordinance
B. District Boundaries
The Airport Noise Impact Overlay District boundaries are based on noise impact contours adopted by the Board, which are subject to periodic updating and amendment in accordance with the provisions of subsection 8100.2.
C. Establishment of Districts
(1) For purposes of administering these regulations, there will be three Airport Noise Impact Areas:
(a) Greater than Day-Night Average Sound Level ("DNL") 75 dBA
(b) DNL 70-75 dBA
(c) DNL 65-70 dBA
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
The county's Airport Noise Impact Overlay District regulates land uses within designated airport noise impact areas by requiring acoustical performance standards. Three impact areas are set by day-night average sound level (DNL): above 75 dBA, 70-75 dBA, and 65-70 dBA. In the highest-noise area, new dwellings are generally not permitted unless the lot qualifies under specific pre-1982 plat exceptions and meets interior noise standard P1. The Director reviews site plans, plats, and building permits to confirm whether a property falls in the overlay district before any permit is approved.
Violations & Fines
Building permits cannot be approved in the overlay district until acoustical treatment and use standards in subsections E and F are satisfied; noncompliant pre-1997 structures are flagged as noncompliant under subsection G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new house in the highest airport noise zone?
Who decides if my property is in the noise overlay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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