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Henrico County, VA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Nighttime device limit: 50 feet, 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Party-noise limit: 100 feet, 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
First offense fine: Up to $500
Third offense fine: Up to $2,500 within 10 yrs
Daytime enforcement: Police must witness violation

Summary

Henrico measures noise by how far it carries and what time it is, not a decibel meter reading. Amplified sound and stereos may not be plainly audible 50 feet away or into a neighbor's home between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and party noise from ten or more people can't reach 100 feet after 11 p.m.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Henrico County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Sec. 10-68. Prohibited noises enumerated. It is unlawful for any person to cause or permit to be caused any of the following prohibited sounds or noises: ... (2) Sound-producing and sound-reproducing devices. a. The use, operation, or playing of any radio, phonograph, television ... in such a manner or with such volume or duration that it is plainly audible: 1. Inside the confines of the dwelling unit, house, or apartment of another person; or 2. In residential areas, at 50 or more feet from the device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Henrico County Code § 10-68 enumerates eight prohibited-noise categories. m. m. m. m. Section 10-69 exempts emergency and utility-restoration noise, road work, sirens, parades and fireworks displays, school and college activities, sanctioned county-park athletics, alarms before the owner gets a chance to silence them, religious services, trains and aircraft, military activity, lawful farming, sanctioned motorsports events and First Amendment gatherings. can only be charged if a police officer witnesses it directly, not on a resident's complaint to a magistrate.

Violations & Fines

A first conviction under § 10-68 draws a fine up to $500.00. A second offense within five years of the first draws up to $1,000.00, and a third within ten years of the first draws up to $2,500.00. Every day a violation continues is charged as a separate offense, and criminal prosecution does not bar the county from pursuing any other legal remedy to stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Henrico set a decibel number for noise complaints?

No. Henrico County Code § 10-68 uses a plainly-audible standard tied to distance and time instead of a decibel meter, for example whether a stereo can be heard 50 feet away or inside a neighbor's home between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., rather than a measured sound-pressure level.

Can I be cited for loud music during the day?

Only if a police officer directly witnesses the violation, under § 10-67(b). Between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., a neighbor's complaint to a magistrate alone cannot support a summons for a sound-device violation under § 10-68(2).

Are commercial areas held to the same noise limits?

No. Section 10-68(2)(b) exempts sound from commercial establishments in areas zoned urban mixed use, and exempts recreational, commercial and industrial sources entirely between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., regardless of zoning.

What is the penalty for repeat noise violations?

Under § 10-67(c), fines rise with each conviction: up to $500 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second within five years, and up to $2,500 for a third within ten years, with each continuing day treated as its own offense.

Sources & Official References

[1]Henrico County Code, Chapter 10, Article III (Noise)

Other rules in Henrico County

Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Construction HoursSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions Barking DogsSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions Public Conduct: Loud Party OrdinanceSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview

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