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

Section 21-57(2) of the Roanoke City Code singles out amplified sound equipment for its own rule, separate from the general radio and TV provision in § 21-57(1). Subsection (2)a flatly bars using or operating any loudspeaker, public address system, mobile sound vehicle or similar amplifying device on a public right-of-way or public property for any commercial purpose, with no time-of-day exception; a business cannot legally run an outdoor PA system or sound truck to advertise on city streets at any hour. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, matching the general nighttime curfew in § 21-57(1)a.

Both violations are declared a Class 2 misdemeanor and a public nuisance under § 21-56 and § 21-57's opening clause. The city manager retains separate discretion under § 21-27 to issue permits for otherwise-prohibited sound equipment used on private buildings or premises for advertising, subject to whatever restrictions the manager deems reasonable, but that permit process does not extend to the public-property commercial loudspeaker ban in § 21-57(2)a. Section 21-58(3) and (5) exempt noncommercial public speaking and public assembly activity, and parades or special events, that hold a city-issued permit.