Chesapeake, VA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Chesapeake sets numeric noise ceilings in Table 1 of Sec. 26-130, and the limit that applies depends on the zoning classification or land use designation of the property from which the complaint is made or the sound is heard. In mixed use areas and planned unit developments, the land use designation controls. Residential property, which Sec. 26-122 defines to include single-family, two-family, townhouse, multi-family, residential planned unit development, and residential dwellings in mixed-use districts, is capped at 55 dBA overall. Commercial and agricultural property are each capped at 60 dBA overall. Every class also carries octave band limits from 31.5 Hz to 8,000 Hz: residential runs from 70 dB at 31.5 Hz down to 35 dB at 8,000 Hz, while commercial and agricultural run from 75 dB down to 40 dB.

Subsection (b) puts the duty on whoever controls the source. No person is allowed to operate a source of sound, or permit noise on property he or she owns, leases, occupies or otherwise controls, that pushes the level measured on any other property above the Column 1 dBA figure or the Column 3 dB figure. Under subsection (c), if the administrator finds the noise impulsive, such as hammering, riveting or amplified bass music, or a steady pure tone such as a whine, screech or hum, the Column 1 limit is reduced by five dB.

The measurement rules are specific. The administrator uses a type 1 or type 2 sound level meter that meets ANSI specifications, set to the A weighting scale with fast meter response unless Virginia Division of Purchases and Supply standards require otherwise. Readings are taken from the property where the complaint was filed, or from any property where the noise can be heard, at the closest point to the source. The chief of police must maintain, inspect, calibrate and test the equipment, and no calibration or test is valid for longer than 12 months. A reading by a law-enforcement officer using a compliant meter is prima facie evidence of the decibel level in court, and a calibration certificate is admissible. Under subsection (e) the city manager or designee writes the standard measurement procedures, which serve as guidance and are not part of the article unless they incorporate a state-law requirement.

In Sec. 26-122 the administrator means the city manager's designees, including the chief of police and the zoning administrator. Sec. 26-129 reserves the sound level meter for noises beyond the per se acts in Secs. 26-124 through 26-126, which turn on plain audibility instead of decibels.