Charleston, WV Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Charleston, WV, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 78-212(f)(1)i
- Construction hour limit
- None: construction is exempt
- Condition
- Motorized equipment needs functioning muffler
- Landscaping/power tool hours (contrast)
- 7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends
- First-offense fine
- $100 within 24 months
Summary
Charleston's noise ordinance exempts construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, and demolition activity from noise restrictions at any hour, as long as motorized equipment carries a functioning muffler.
Noise from construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, or demolition activity provided all motorized equipment used in such activity is equipped with functioning mufflers;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Section 78-212 of Charleston's Code bans unreasonable noise generally, but carves out a specific exemption for construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, and demolition activity: unlike landscaping and power tools, which are capped to 7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends, construction noise carries no citywide curfew. The sole condition: all motorized equipment on site must run with a functioning muffler. Builders and contractors can legally run heavy equipment at any hour under this ordinance alone, though a separate contract, permit, or nuisance complaint could still limit night work.
Violations & Fines
Running unmuffled motorized construction equipment (or otherwise unreasonable noise outside the exemption) is a Sec. 78-212 violation: $100 first offense within 24 months, rising to $200, $300, $400, and $500 for later offenses; each day counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston limit construction noise to daytime hours?
What noise rule does apply to construction equipment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
How Charleston compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia noise ordinances overview
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