Quiet hours in Chesapeake, VA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Chesapeake quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under Chesapeake City Code Chapter 38 (Noise). Unreasonable sound audible at 50 feet from the property line is prohibited, and violations are handled as civil infractions escalating to a Class 3 misdemeanor for repeat offenses. Enforcement is complaint-driven by Chesapeake Police.
Chesapeake City Code Chapter 38 establishes the local noise framework authorized by VA Code section 15.2-926. Nighttime quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM Sunday through Thursday and 11 PM to 8 AM Friday and Saturday apply to most residentially zoned areas. During quiet hours, sound that is plainly audible at 50 feet or more from the source property line is presumed unreasonable. The ordinance uses a plainly-audible standard rather than decibel readings for most residential complaints, which simplifies police enforcement. State-level disorderly conduct under VA Code section 18.2-416 (Class 1 misdemeanor) may be charged for egregious or repeated disturbances. Chesapeake Police Department responds to 311 and 911 calls; officers generally issue a warning first, then a summons.
First offense typically a warning or $100 civil penalty. Repeat offenses within 12 months escalate to $250-$500 and possible Class 3 misdemeanor charges under state law.
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See how Chesapeake's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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