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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Stores, warehouses, commercial buildings
Trigger
Plainly audible on sidewalk/street
Allowed use
Intermittent paging, alarms
Industrial districts
County Zoning Chapter 19
Code section
Chesterfield County Code 14-27(d)

Summary

Chesterfield County bars outdoor loudspeakers and sound devices at stores, warehouses and commercial buildings when they are plainly audible on a public sidewalk or street, unless used only intermittently for paging or permitted by zoning. Industrial districts are also governed by County Zoning Ch. 19.

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

[It shall be unlawful for any person] to operate, install, have, or permit on the outside of any store, shop, business establishment, warehouse or commercial building, any loudspeaker or other sound-producing or reproducing device ... in such manner that it is plainly audible on any public sidewalk or street unless it is used only intermittently for announcing or paging an individual ...

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 14-27(d) of the Chesterfield County Code makes it unlawful to operate, install or permit on the outside of any store, shop, business establishment, warehouse or commercial building any loudspeaker or sound-producing device emitting music, noise or voice so that it is plainly audible on any public sidewalk or street, unless used only intermittently for paging, for alarm or emergency signals, or as allowed by zoning conditions. Broader industrial and manufacturing noise is regulated through the county Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 19), which sets performance standards and conditions on industrial districts. Chesterfield County (Virginia) has full zoning authority over its territory under Va. Code Title 15.2, Ch. 22 (Sec. 15.2-2280+).

Violations & Fines

Commercial outdoor-speaker violations are misdemeanors with a $100 to $500 fine under Sec. 14-27(h); zoning violations carry separate penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a business run outdoor speakers?
Only if not plainly audible on a public sidewalk or street, or if used intermittently for paging, alarms, or as permitted by zoning conditions, under Sec. 14-27(d).
How is factory noise regulated?
Manufacturing and industrial-district noise is governed mainly through the county Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 19) performance standards, in addition to the general plainly-audible rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesterfield County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Chesterfield County rules

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

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