Fairfax County, VA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Within 100 yards of a home
- No equipment 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- 100+ yards from a home
- No equipment 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Leaf blowers/chain saws
- Banned 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. everywhere
- Golf course maintenance
- 5:30 a.m./9 p.m. seasonal rules
- Penalty
- Class 2 misdemeanor (§ 1-1-14)
Summary
Fairfax County's Noise Ordinance limits when power lawn equipment can run, and it singles out leaf blowers and chain saws for the strictest rule: never between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on any property in the county, golf courses included.
Unless otherwise addressed by this chapter, the operation of power lawn equipment, including but not limited to lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, trimmers and edgers:
(1) Between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. when operated within 100 yards from a residential dwelling, or
(2) Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. when operated 100 yards or more from a residential dwelling, or
(3) Between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for golf course maintenance when operated 50 yards or more from a residential dwelling; or
(4) Between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. for golf course maintenance when operated less than 50 yards from a residential dwelling.
Notwithstanding the above, the operation of leaf blowers and chain saws on all property, including on golf courses, is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
(i) Unless otherwise excepted by this Chapter, the operation of mechanical devices within 100 yards of a residential dwelling for the cleaning of outdoor parking, pedestrian and/or loading areas between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
(j) Unless otherwise excepted by this Chapter, any person, motor vehicle or instrument that permits, operates, or causes any source of sound or sound generation to create a sound that is plainly audible in any other person's residential dwelling with the doors and windows closed:
(1) Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, or between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a Federal holiday; or
(2)
Full Breakdown
1-4-1(h) covers power lawn equipment broadly, naming lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, trimmers and edgers as examples rather than an exhaustive list. The baseline rule is distance-based. m. m. boundaries. Then comes the override. on all property, including golf courses. In other words, both the distance allowance and the golf-course allowance give way for these two machine types. everywhere in Fairfax County.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor under County Code § 1-1-14 unless a specific penalty applies. The ordinance is enforced by the Director/Zoning Administrator, Code Compliance, and Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a leaf blower run before 7 a.m. anywhere in Fairfax County?
When can I mow if I live far from other houses?
Do golf courses get special treatment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
How Fairfax County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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