Charleston, WV Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 78-212, Charleston City Code
- Industrial noise exemption
- Zoned, licensed enterprises operating lawfully
- Power-tool hours near homes
- 7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays
- First-offense fine
- $100.00
- Max repeat fine
- $500.00, fifth-plus offense
Summary
Charleston's citywide noise ban covers industrial and commercial sources too, but exempts noise from a properly licensed enterprise operating lawfully in a correctly zoned area, plus time-limited exemptions for commercial power tools near homes.
Subject to the exceptions contained herein, no person shall make, continue or cause to be made any noise as defined herein. ... Noise generated during the normal course of business by any properly licensed commercial or industrial enterprise operating lawfully within an area properly zoned for said enterprise, unless or until said lawful business use is deemed abandoned as a matter of law or fact
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
Sec. 78-212 bans citywide any noise that injures health, unreasonably interferes with property enjoyment, disturbs public order, or annoys a reasonable person, and that ban applies to industrial and commercial sources too. Subsection (f)(1)h. exempts noise from a properly licensed commercial or industrial enterprise operating lawfully in a properly zoned area, unless the business is legally abandoned. A narrower carve-out, (f)(1)f., lets commercial/industrial power tools, landscaping and agricultural equipment run near residential property only 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. weekends/holidays. There's no decibel limit; enforcement rests on the reasonable-person nuisance standard.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 78-212 carries escalating fines within a 24-month window: $100 first offense, $200 second, $300 third, $400 fourth, and $500 for the fifth and each later offense; each day of continuing violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston limit industrial noise by decibel level?
When can commercial power equipment run near homes?
What's the penalty for a repeat noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia noise ordinances overview
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