Norfolk, VA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 26-6(a)(6)
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Minimum gathering size
- 2 or more people
- Residential distance threshold
- 50 feet from the gathering
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Summary
Norfolk treats a loud gathering of two or more people between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as a per se noise violation under Sec. 26-6(a)(6) if it's plainly audible inside a neighbor's enclosed dwelling, or 50 feet away in a residential area. Whoever controls the property can be held liable if the host can't be identified.
(6)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 another person's enclosed dwelling unit; or (ii) in a residential area, at fifty (50) or more feet from the gathering.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 166).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " The two-person threshold is low: it covers any social gathering, not just large parties, and the plainly-audible standard from Sec. 26-2, which counts rhythmic bass tones alone, means loud music or crowd noise from a backyard or apartment gathering can trigger the offense even without anyone identifying specific words. Sec. 26-3(b) fixes responsibility broadly, providing that "each and every person operating, permitting, or controlling a source of noise is guilty," and if the individual responsible can't be identified, "each and every owner, tenant, resident, or manager physically present on the property" is rebuttably presumed liable, effectively reaching a host who is present even without proof they personally made the noise.
This is a per se offense, so Norfolk Police can act on their own observation at the property line or from the exterior wall of the enclosure under Sec. 26-3(c), without needing the scientific sound-level measurement procedures required for the Table II violations in Sec. 26-6(c).
Violations & Fines
A loud gathering that violates Sec. 26-6(a)(6) is a Class 3 misdemeanor under Sec. 26-4(a), punishable by a fine of up to $500 against whoever is controlling the noise source or, if that person is unidentifiable, against the owner, tenant, resident, or manager present, per Sec. 26-3(b). The city can also seek an injunction under Sec. 26-4(b) for a recurring party nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people does it take to count as a 'gathering' under this rule?
Can the host be cited even if a guest made the noise?
Does this party rule apply outside residential neighborhoods too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk
Compare Norfolk to another location·View the Virginia public conduct overview
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