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

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

Amplified music rules in Chesterfield County, VA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.

Key Facts

Gathering trigger
10 or more people
Overnight window
12:01 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Standard
Plainly audible at 50+ feet
Exemptions
Parks, parades, public functions
Code section
Chesterfield County Code 14-27(b)

Summary

Outdoor music at a party in Chesterfield County is unlawful when plainly audible in a neighbor's home or at 50+ feet during overnight hours, and Sec. 14-27(b) specifically covers gatherings of ten or more people. Parks and sanctioned events are exempt.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

[It shall be unlawful for any person] to allow noise between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is plainly audible either inside the confines of the dwelling unit, house or apartment of another person or at fifty (50) or more feet when the noise is generated from a gathering of ten or more people.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 14-27(b) of the Chesterfield County Code makes it unlawful to allow noise between 12:01 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is plainly audible inside another person's dwelling or at 50 or more feet when the noise comes from a gathering of ten or more people, a clause aimed at large outdoor parties. General outdoor amplified music is also covered by Sec. 14-27(a). The code exempts devices used at public parks or recreation fields, sporting events, school-sponsored activities on school grounds, and duly authorized parades, public functions or commemorative events, so sanctioned festivals and outdoor concerts on public grounds are not violations. HOA covenants in Chesterfield subdivisions may add stricter limits.

Violations & Fines

Outdoor-music and gathering violations are misdemeanors punishable by a $100 to $500 fine under Sec. 14-27(h).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a large outdoor party treated differently?
Yes. Sec. 14-27(b) specifically bans plainly audible noise from a gathering of ten or more people between 12:01 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Can I hold an outdoor concert in a county park?
Sanctioned events at public parks, recreation fields and authorized public functions are exempt under Sec. 14-27(a), but confirm any permit requirements with the county.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesterfield County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Chesterfield County rules

Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview

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