Loudoun County, VA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Mixed use residential
- 60 dB(A) maximum
- Residential/rural economy
- 55 dB(A) maximum
- Commercial/civic/institutional
- 65 dB(A) maximum
- Industrial
- 70 dB(A) maximum
- Applies
- At all times of day and night
- Civil penalty
- $200 first charge, $500 each additional
Summary
Loudoun County's Zoning Ordinance sets four round-the-clock noise ceilings in Table 7.05.03-1: 60 dB(A) for mixed-use residential, 55 dB(A) for residential and rural economy uses, 65 dB(A) for commercial, civic, and institutional uses, and 70 dB(A) for industrial uses, all measured at the receiving property's lot line.
D. Maximum Sound Levels. The maximum sound levels provided in Table 7.05.03-1 apply at all times of day and night. Table 7.05.03-1. Maximum Sound Levels Receiving Development Mixed Use Residential Residential and Rural Economy Uses Commercial, Civic, and Institutional Uses Industrial Uses Maximum dB(A) 60 55 65 70
Full Breakdown
D states the rule plainly: 'Maximum Sound Levels. ' There is no separate daytime/nighttime split, the same ceiling governs 24 hours. The table sets four limits by receiving development type: Mixed Use Residential (dwellings in the TRC, TC, PD-MUB, and PUD Zoning Districts) at 60 dB(A); Residential and Rural Economy Uses at 55 dB(A); Commercial, Civic, and Institutional Uses at 65 dB(A); and Industrial Uses at 70 dB(A). 43-1997 Type 1 integrating sound level meter, FAST response, over a 15-second window (adjustable 10 seconds to 1 minute), averaging at least three repeatable samples taken at the point on the receiving lot line closest to the noise source at a 5-foot microphone height, or, for mixed-use residential receivers, at the nearest open window or door facing the source.
F. Certain sources are exempt from the table regardless of zone, including aircraft noise, lawn mowers and chain saws, construction and demolition activity, emergency generators, air conditioner condensers on single-family dwellings, and utility infrastructure such as substations, transmission lines, and sanitary landfills.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Table 7.05.03-1 ceiling for the receiving property's use category is a Zoning Ordinance violation enforced under Section 10.13. Under Section 10.13.E, the standard civil penalty is $200 for the first charge and $500 for each additional charge, with each day the excess noise continues treated as a separate offense: capped at $5,000 in penalties from the same set of facts before the County may pursue a criminal misdemeanor under Section 10.13.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the noise limit for a residential property in Loudoun County?
Does the noise limit change at night?
How is compliance with the decibel table measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Loudoun County
Compare Loudoun County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.