Fairfax County, VA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Fairfax County, VA, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Barred hours (weekdays)
- 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sun-Thu
- Barred hours (weekend/pre-holiday)
- 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- Daytime noise cap
- 90 dBA max in residential areas
- Weekend start time
- Not before 9 a.m. Sat/Sun/holidays
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail
- Civil penalty option
- $250 first offense, $500 repeat
- Waiver
- File with Director 14+ days ahead, up to 1 year
Summary
Fairfax County bars outdoor construction, repair, demolition or grading noise between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and the day before a federal holiday. Even in allowed daytime hours, work can't exceed 90 dBA in residential areas or start before 9 a.m. on weekends.
The following are violations of this Chapter:(a)Unless otherwise excepted by this Chapter, the use of a loudspeaker or other instrument that is mounted on the exterior of any structure or motor vehicle between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. ... (b)Any action related to the construction, repair, maintenance, remodeling or demolition, grading or other improvement of real property in the outdoors between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, or between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a Federal holiday.
Full Breakdown
m. on Fridays, Saturdays and the day before a federal holiday. on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays even within that window. 1-3-1(a)). 1-6-1; the Director may grant it for up to one year, renewable, after weighing hardship, public benefit and feasibility of compliance, and a denial can be appealed in writing to the County Executive within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
A construction-noise violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Section 108.1-3-2(a), punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, either or both; failing to abate within the court-set deadline is a separate Class 2 misdemeanor. In lieu of criminal charges, the county may instead pursue a civil penalty of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for each later offense under Section 108.1-3-2(b), though that civil option does not apply to noise from industrially zoned business activity or railroads. The Board may also seek an injunction against a continuing violation under Section 108.1-3-2(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can construction crews start work on a Saturday in Fairfax County?
Is there a decibel limit on daytime construction noise?
Can a contractor get permission to work outside these hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
How Fairfax County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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