Hampton, VA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Audibility distance
- 100 feet
- Minimum group size
- 2 or more people
- Third-offense fine
- up to $2,500
Summary
Hampton bars noise from gatherings of two or more people between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that's audible in a neighbor's home or 100+ feet away, with hosts liable for permitting it.
Social gatherings and parties. Allowing any noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. generated from a gathering of two (2) or more people that is plainly audible (i) inside the confines of the dwelling unit, house or apartment of another person or (ii) in a residential area, at one hundred
(100) or more feet from the gathering.
(2) Instruments, machines, or devices. Instruments, machines, or devices operated in such a manner or with such volume or duration that it is plainly audible (i) inside the confines of the dwelling unit, house or apartment of another person; (ii) at a distance of 100 or more feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; or (iii) at a distance of 50 or more feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(3) Noisy animals. Allowing any animal to cause any sound or noise such that it is plainly audible (i) inside the confines of the dwelling unit, house or apartment of another person at least once a minute for ten (10) consecutive minutes or (ii) at one hundred (100) or more feet from the animal at least once a minute for ten (10) consecutive minutes or (iii) after more than one complaint has been received and after the owner or other responsible person has been advised of the complaints and that such noise is unlawful.
(4) Trash and recycling collection. The creation of any sound or noise between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. that is plainly
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 22-9(1) makes it unlawful to cause or permit noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. from a gathering of two or more people that is plainly audible inside another person's dwelling, or at 100 or more feet from the gathering in a residential area. Because § 22-9's opening clause reaches anyone who causes 'or permit[s] to be caused' the prohibited noise, a host who allows the party to run loud is liable even without personally making the sound.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: fine up to $500 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense within 5 years, up to $2,500 for a third within 10 years. Requires a magistrate complaint or an officer witnessing the noise directly (§ 22-1(a)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the host be cited, not just the guests?
Does one neighbor's complaint end the party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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