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Virginia Beach, VA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Noise zones
4 zones, <65 to >75 dB DNL
Accident zones
CZ, APZ-I, APZ-II
Trigger date (residential)
Construction after Jan. 1, 1995
Exemption
Zones under 65 dB DNL exempt
Enforcement
Permits and Inspections Division

Summary

New homes and buildings inside NAS Oceana's airport noise zones must include sound-reduction construction meeting the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, with the strictest zones facing the toughest acoustical standards.

Except as otherwise provided, any residential use group building or structure or portion thereof constructed or placed within an airport noise zone after January 1, 1995, and any assembly, business, educational, institutional or mercantile use group building or structure or portion thereof constructed after November 17, 2005 shall be constructed to provide acoustical treatment measures in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Source: Virginia Beach Planning DepartmentView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Virginia Beach's Airport Noise Attenuation and Safety Ordinance (Appendix I) maps four airport noise zones, from under 65 dB DNL to over 75 dB DNL, plus three aircraft accident potential zones (Clear Zone, APZ-I, APZ-II) tied to NAS Oceana/NALF Fentress flight operations. Any residential building built or placed in a noise zone after January 1, 1995, and assembly, business, educational, institutional or mercantile buildings built after November 17, 2005, must add acoustical treatment measures under the state building code. Buildings in zones under 65 dB DNL are exempt. The Permits and Inspections Division administers and enforces the ordinance, and decisions can be appealed to the local Board of Building Code Appeals.

Violations & Fines

A willful violation is a misdemeanor punishable under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Volume I. The city can also issue a stop-work order or seek a circuit court injunction against continuing violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to my existing house?
No. It applies to new construction or substantial alterations built within a noise zone after the effective date; existing buildings are treated as nonconforming until extended or rebuilt.
What if I skip the required sound treatment?
It's a misdemeanor under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and the city can order work stopped or sue for an injunction in circuit court.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSignificant Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

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