Commercial noise at property lines in Norfolk residential zones is limited to 55 dBA at night and 65 dBA day under Chapter 26. Loading-dock activity, HVAC rooftop units, and bar/restaurant operations must meet boundary standards.
Commercial properties abutting residential zones must meet property-line sound limits under Norfolk Code Chapter 26. Typical day limit is 65 dBA at the nearest residential property line, dropping to 55 dBA between 10 PM and 7 AM. Restaurants in Ghent and Downtown (especially Granby, Colley Avenue) often receive rooftop-HVAC and outdoor-seating complaints. Industrial uses near Norfolk International Terminals and Lambert's Point have modified limits. Deliveries outside 7 AM to 7 PM to grocery and retail near residential zones are restricted.
Civil penalties 250 to 1000 per violation. Conditional Use Permit conditions may include sound-mitigation requirements enforced by Zoning.
See how Norfolk's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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