Charleston, WV Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Charleston, WV, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Weekday equipment exempt hours
- 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Weekend/holiday exempt hours
- 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- First offense fine
- $100
- Repeat-offense max fine
- $500 (5th+ within 24 mo.)
- Dwelling stereo limit
- audible beyond 25 feet banned
Summary
Charleston's noise ordinance bans excessive noise citywide and only exempts power tools, landscaping and yard equipment from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends and holidays, with fines up to $500 for repeat offenders.
Subject to the exceptions contained herein, no person shall make, continue or cause to be made any noise as defined herein. ... Noise from domestic power tools, landscaping and yard maintenance equipment, and agricultural equipment when operated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 78-212 bans any 'noise' that unreasonably interferes with enjoyment of life or property or disturbs the good order or quiet of the community. Domestic power tools, landscaping and yard maintenance equipment are exempt from that ban only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays -- run them outside those windows and the general noise ban applies, effectively setting Charleston's quiet hours for equipment noise. Separately, amplifying a radio, TV or stereo from inside a dwelling so it's audible 25 feet away is banned at any hour, and the police department enforces both.
Violations & Fines
Fines start at $100 for a first offense within a 24-month period, then $200, $300, $400, and $500 for a fifth or later offense; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense (Sec. 78-212(g)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston have set nighttime quiet hours?
Can I be fined for loud music at home?
Who enforces Charleston's noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
How Charleston compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.