Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Section 5-1507 sets maximum A-weighted sound levels: 55 dBA at residential property lines (day and night). Commercial receiving zones allow 60 dBA. These limits are increasingly relevant as data center cooling equipment generates continuous noise near residential areas. Phase 2 of data center regulations (approved September 2025) is reviewing noise standards.
Loudoun County's quantitative noise standards are set in Zoning Ordinance Section 5-1507, Table 5-1507(E), which establishes maximum A-weighted sound levels measured at the property line of the receiving use. Residential receiving properties are limited to 55 dBA (both daytime and nighttime), which is stricter than neighboring jurisdictions like Prince William County (60 dBA day / 55 dBA night). Commercial receiving zones allow 60 dBA. Industrial receiving zones have higher thresholds. These decibel limits have become a major issue due to Loudoun County's position as the world's largest data center market — cooling fans and mechanical equipment at data centers can generate noise measured as high as 90 dBA near the source, well above limits at adjacent residential properties. The county eliminated by-right data center development in March 2025, requiring Special Exception permits. Phase 2 of the data center standards project (approved September 2025) specifically includes noise review for data centers and utility substations. The noise standards do not apply to extraction and mining operations (which have separate rules) or between uses on the same lot. Enforcement is by the county zoning administrator and Sheriff's Office.
Zoning violations enforced by Loudoun County Zoning Administration. Notice of violation followed by compliance period. Continued violations may result in civil penalties. Criminal noise ordinance violations: Class 3 misdemeanor ($500) escalating to Class 1 misdemeanor ($2,500 + 12 months).
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See how Loudoun County's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
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