Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Loudoun County

Loudoun County, VA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Governing section: Codified Ordinances § 654.02(d)(2)
Curfew: 9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Golf-course exemption: 5:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Standard: Time-based, no decibel test
First offense: Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Repeat offense: Escalates to Class 2, then Class 1

Summary

Loudoun County bars running power lawn or landscaping equipment, including leaf blowers, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. under its noise ordinance. Golf courses get a wider window, from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., under a specific exemption.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Loudoun County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the sounds generated by the following acts, among others, are declared to be plainly audible noise in violation of this section, and are specifically prohibited: ... (2) The operation of power lawn or landscaping equipment between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... The operation of power lawn or landscaping equipment for golf course maintenance between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Source: Loudoun County Code EnforcementView official code

Full Breakdown

specifically prohibited," per the lead-in to subsection (d). The rule applies without a decibel test, running gas-powered leaf blowers, mowers or trimmers during the nighttime window is itself the violation, without the County needing to measure sound level or prove audibility at a set distance the way it must for the general amplified-sound rule. " from the ordinance entirely, recognizing that turf maintenance often needs to start before sunrise. is in the same posture as a homeowner mowing at night.

Violations & Fines

A first violation of the 9 p.m.–7 a.m. lawn-equipment curfew is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 654.99(a), fined up to $500 per offense with each day counted separately; § 654.02(f)(1) raises repeat violations to a Class 2 misdemeanor within six months and a Class 1 misdemeanor within a year of a prior conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a leaf blower at night in Loudoun County?

No. Section 654.02(d)(2) prohibits operating power lawn or landscaping equipment, which includes leaf blowers, between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the timing alone makes it a violation, regardless of how loud the equipment is.

Do golf courses follow the same lawn-equipment hours?

No, § 654.02(e)(2) specifically exempts golf-course lawn and landscaping equipment operated between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from the noise ordinance entirely.

Is there a decibel limit for leaf blowers in Loudoun County?

No. Section 654.02(d)(2) sets a time restriction, not a sound-level test; equipment run inside the permitted hours is not regulated by a decibel standard under this section.

Sources & Official References

[1]Loudoun County Codified Ordinances § 654.02(d)(2), (e)(2) (amlegal)

Other rules in Loudoun County

Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Construction HoursSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Barking DogsSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Aircraft NoiseSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Loudoun County rules

How Loudoun County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·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.