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Virginia Beach, VA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Nighttime cap
55 dBA, 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
Daytime cap
65 dBA, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Measurement point
Inside receiving residence, 4 ft from wall
First offense
Class 3 misdemeanor
Repeat offense (1 yr)
Class 2 misdemeanor

Summary

Virginia Beach caps residential noise at 55 dBA overnight and 65 dBA during the day, measured inside the neighboring home four feet from the wall.

(a) Nighttime. No person shall permit, operate or cause any source of sound to create a sound level that can be heard in another person's residential dwelling during the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in excess of 55 dBA when measured inside the residence at least four (4) feet from the wall nearest the source, with doors and windows to the receiving area closed. (b) Daytime. ...in excess of 65 dBA... during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., ...at least four (4) feet from the wall nearest the source, with doors and windows to the receiving area closed.

Source: Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 23 - NoiseView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Virginia Beach City Code § 23-69 sets numeric decibel caps for noise reaching a neighbor's residential dwelling: no more than 55 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and no more than 65 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Readings are taken inside the receiving residence, at least four feet from the nearest wall, with doors and windows closed. The police department enforces the limits with certified sound level meters under § 23-68, and a first violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 23-66.

Violations & Fines

First offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor; a repeat violation within one year escalates to a Class 2 misdemeanor. The city can also pursue an injunction in circuit court for a continuing violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What decibel level is illegal at night in Virginia Beach?
Under City Code § 23-69, sound reaching a neighbor's residential dwelling between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. cannot exceed 55 dBA, measured at least four feet from the nearest wall inside the residence.
Does the daytime noise limit apply to construction or lawn care?
No. Section 23-69(d) exempts construction, landscaping, agricultural work, school and park athletic activities, and religious or political gatherings from the 65 dBA daytime cap, though nighttime construction after 9:00 p.m. is separately restricted under § 23-71(f).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSignificant Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview

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