Alexandria, VA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Section 11-5-4.1, "Noises prohibited: Noise in public areas," bars any "sound generation," defined broadly to include any human, mechanical or electronic conduct that produces sound above the section's volume and duration limits, on any public or private street, sidewalk, alley, park, marina or open space, or any private outdoor property open to the public for commercial or recreational use. Between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., sound generation may not exceed 75 dB(A), measured at least ten feet from the source, for an aggregate of more than 60 seconds in any one-hour period, nor be plainly audible above background noise to a person of normal hearing at more than 50 feet. Between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the ceiling drops to 65 dB(A) under the same distance and duration test.

The section exempts city-sponsored festivals and events, designated performance areas in parks under city manager or Parks & Recreation regulations, activity conforming to Market Square regulations, and sound generation under a displayed special permit issued by the city manager under § 11-5-7 or a zoning special use permit approved by city council under § 11-500 of the Zoning Ordinance. It is enforced by the director, the chief of police, the director of citizen assistance, and, within their respective areas, the directors of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Activities and General Services.

Separately, § 11-5-4(2) bars operating any sound reproduction device (radio, phonograph, sound amplifying system) so that it is plainly audible across a property boundary at 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle where it is playing, at any hour, which is the provision most often cited against a residential party's speakers rather than the public-area decibel table in § 11-5-4.1.