Portsmouth, VA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Sec. ) and 65 dBA by day in residential zones, and 75 dBA in commercial zones, measured at the property line with a calibrated sound level meter. " Because Portsmouth sits directly across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk International Airport's approach paths and hosts its own general-aviation traffic, this exemption means the city has deliberately declined to regulate aircraft sound through its municipal noise code, leaving it to federal preemption under FAA rules and any applicable Norfolk Naval Shipyard operations. ), lawn equipment, government facility repair, emergency work, railroad operations, and permitted demolition, showing the exemption list is a deliberate carve-out structure rather than an oversight.

Violations of Sec. 2-11 as adopted locally, on a second offense within 12 months, but none of that enforcement machinery reaches aircraft sound because of the (f)(8) carve-out.