Virginia Beach, VA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Virginia Beach, VA, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Curfew
- 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Covers
- bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, jackhammers
- Enforced by
- Virginia Beach Police Department
- Exception
- written city manager authorization
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, first offense
Summary
Virginia Beach bans bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, pile drivers, jackhammers and similar construction equipment from operating between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the city manager authorizes an exception in writing.
Construction equipment. The operation of any bulldozer, crane, backhoe, front loader, pile driver, jackhammer, pneumatic drill, or other construction equipment between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except as provided in section 23-67 above, or as specifically deemed necessary and authorized by a written document issued by the city manager or his designee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 23-71(f) lists bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, front loaders, pile drivers, jackhammers, pneumatic drills and other construction equipment as prohibited noise sources between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., citywide. The police department enforces the noise ordinance and can issue a summons; a private citizen can also seek a magistrate's summons. The city manager or a designee can issue written authorization for equipment to run outside the curfew when specifically deemed necessary, such as for emergency repair work. There is no separate decibel limit for construction gear, the prohibition is a flat overnight-hours ban rather than a sound-level test.
Violations & Fines
First offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor; a repeat violation within one year of a prior conviction is a Class 2 misdemeanor, per Code § 23-66.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can construction equipment run overnight in Virginia Beach?
What happens if a contractor violates the overnight construction noise ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
How Virginia Beach compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.