Newport News, VA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 33.02-48
- Applies to
- Site plans (Ch. 33.02)
- Standard source
- Council noise abatement policy
- Reviewed by
- Director, site plan review
Summary
Commercial and industrial site plans in Newport News must build in noise abatement measures under the city council's noise abatement policy before the site plan can be approved.
Noise abatement measures shall be included in accordance with the council-approved noise abatement policy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 33.02's site-plan review, which applies to construction of any building, parking lot, or grade alteration in the city, requires noise abatement measures to be included in accordance with the council-approved noise abatement policy under § 33.02-48. The director reviews this as part of site plan approval under § 33.02-5 and § 33.02-13. The code section itself points to the separately adopted policy for the specific measures rather than spelling out decibel figures in the ordinance text.
Violations & Fines
A site plan that omits required noise abatement measures can be disapproved by the director under § 33.02-13, and non-compliant construction is subject to the chapter's stop-work order authority in § 33.02-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Newport News require noise controls for new commercial development?
Where are the actual decibel limits published?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
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