Quiet hours in Alexandria City, VA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Alexandria prohibits unreasonably loud noise in public places between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under City Code Sec. 11-5-4(b)(4). Sound-reproducing equipment is restricted overnight if plainly audible across property lines at 50 feet, and HVAC equipment is capped at 55 dB at the property line in residential zones.
City Code Title 11, Chapter 5 (Noise Control) sets the framework. Sec. 11-5-4(b)(4) makes it unlawful to make unreasonably loud or unnecessary noise in public places between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sec. 11-5-4(2) prohibits operating sound-reproducing devices from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. when plainly audible across a property boundary at 50 feet. Sec. 11-5-4(17) limits residential AC and heat pump noise to 55 dB at the property line. Construction is generally limited under Sec. 11-5-4(10) to Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with no Sunday work. DIY homeowner work has separate hours under Sec. 11-5-4(5). Civil penalties under Sec. 11-5-12 are $100 first offense, $250 second, and $500 third.
Civil penalty of $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third under Sec. 11-5-12. Report complaints to Alex311 or Alexandria Police non-emergency at 703-746-4444.
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