Norfolk, VA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Guest rule
- Follow Chapter 26
- Night window
- 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Required
- Interior decibel meters
- Emergency contact
- On-site in 20 minutes
- Governing law
- Zoning Ord. § 4.2.3.F(10)
Summary
Norfolk short-term rental guests must follow the Chapter 26 noise ordinance, and vacation-rental operators must keep interior decibel meters in main gathering rooms to catch excessive noise.
Interior decibel meters shall be maintained in the home's main congregation rooms to notify the operator upon detecting excessive noise levels.
Full Breakdown
Short-term rental guests in Norfolk are bound by the same Chapter 26 noise rules as residents, including the 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. night window and the plainly-audible test. As a vacation-rental performance standard, operators must install interior decibel meters in the home's main congregation rooms to alert them to excessive noise, keep surveillance cameras on exterior common areas, and post an emergency contact able to be on-site within 20 minutes. Repeated complaints, logged through MyNorfolk, can jeopardize the zoning certificate or Conditional Use Permit.
Violations & Fines
Guests face noise citations up to $500 as a Class 3 misdemeanor. For the operator, repeated verified complaints can lead to conditions on, denial of, or revocation of the STR authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do special noise rules apply to Norfolk rentals?
Can noisy guests cost me my permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk
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