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

A of the Frederick County Code, added June 12, 2019, names operating or permitting the operation of a radio, television, computer, recording device, musical instrument, amplifier or similar device, along with yelling, shouting, whistling, singing, or running mechanical equipment, as prohibited noise when it is plainly audible or exceeds 60 decibels as measured across a residential property boundary or through partitions shared by two or more dwelling units in a building, at 50 feet or more from the building where it originates, or at 50 feet or more from the source itself, provided the sound is audible on someone else's property.

The prohibition is not exclusive; § 118-4 states other unlisted acts can still violate the chapter. B separately protects schools, courts, public buildings, places of worship and hospitals from noise that is plainly audible inside and interferes with the institution's operation. The chapter carves out exceptions in § 118-5 for sound tied to protecting life or property, public speaking on public property, emergency vehicle sirens, parades and lawful fireworks, activities on public athletic facilities, alarms before an owner has a chance to silence them, religious services and their music, railroad and aircraft noise, clock chimes, military activities, and agricultural activities, none of which trigger a violation regardless of decibel level.