Noise ordinances › Norfolk, VA

Norfolk noise ordinance: quiet hours, limits and complaints

Last updated: October 5, 2026

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Quiet hours in Norfolk

Norfolk's night is 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. In that window the following are per se offenses under 26-6(a), with no meter needed: loudspeakers, public address systems, mobile sound vehicles, amplifiers and similar devices, including in a motor vehicle, used for any purpose so that sound is plainly audible inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit or enclosed motor vehicle, at 50 feet or more, or, for amplified music, at 10 feet or more from an entrance to a nightclub or restaurant on Granby Street with all street-facing doors and windows closed (26-6(a)(3)); yelling, shouting, whistling or singing plainly audible inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit or at 50 feet (26-6(a)(5)); noise from a gathering of two or more people plainly audible inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit or, in a residential area, at 50 feet (26-6(a)(6)); construction equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, pile drivers, jackhammers, pneumatic drills and chain saws, unless exempt or authorized in a written document from the city manager or designee (26-6(a)(7)); repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing a motor vehicle, motorcycle or motorboat so that it is plainly audible inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit in a residential area (26-6(a)(8)); and lawn care, leaf removal, gardening, tree work and landscaping plainly audible inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit (26-6(a)(9)). Audio players and musical instruments have a two-step distance test: plainly audible at 100 feet or more from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., or at 50 feet or more from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and plainly audible inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit or enclosed vehicle at any hour (26-6(a)(2)). Table II's metered limits use the same split, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (26-6(c)). Loud exhaust without a lawful muffler (26-6(a)(1)), horns sounded for more than 10 consecutive seconds except as a danger warning (26-6(a)(4)) and impulsive sound over Table I (26-6(b)) are prohibited at any hour. Small performers in parks and on sidewalks may not be audible and discernable at 100 feet or more from 11:59 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Friday or Saturday evening, or from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on any other night (29-70.1(c)(11.5)).

Decibel limits

Yes, for noise that is not exempt and not one of the per se offenses. Sec. 26-6(c), Table II, by the receiving land use base category in the Norfolk Zoning Ordinance, dB(A), 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.: Residential Base, Historic and Cultural Conservation Base, and Special Purpose Districts IN, IN-C, UV, EBH, G-1, TOD-C and TOD-S, 57 / 52; Special Purpose Districts OSP, Resource and MI, 67 / 62; Commercial Base, 67 / 62; Downtown Base D-W, D-BC and D-AD, 67 / 62; Downtown Base D-MU, D-FN and D-SP, and Commercial Base C-N, 67 / 52; Industrial Base, 77 / 77. Where the ambient noise level already exceeds the limit, the noise complained of may exceed the ambient level by 10 decibels "but no more." Readings are taken with a sound level meter "at least fifty (50) feet from the noise source" (from the exterior wall of the building or enclosure if the source is not visible, 26-3(c)); the meter must be checked with a calibrator according to the manufacturer's instructions, the City must have a sworn report that it was tested within the past 12 months and found accurate, and the operator issues a certificate (accused, source location, where the reading was made and its receiving zoning district, ambient level at the source, date and time, and the reading) that is admissible in court (26-6(c)(1)). Table I, 26-6(b) (impulsive sound levels which pose an immediate threat to health and welfare, measured from at least 50 feet from the noise source): 140 dB(A) for 1 repetition per 24-hour period, 135 dB(A) for 10 and 125 dB(A) for 100; an enforcement officer may order an immediate halt to any sound exposing a person to levels above those, and violating 26-6(b) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Where no weighting is stated, A-weighting applies (26-2, "Sound level"). HVAC units attached to a building are exempt only if they do not exceed the ambient noise level by more than 10 decibels (26-5(10)). The per se offenses in 26-6(a) need no measurement and use "plainly audible and discernable" sound: heard with unaided hearing (a medical hearing aid allowed) and distinct enough to identify its source, where words need not be discernible and rhythmic bass tones or reverberations are enough (26-2). Their distance tests are 10, 50 and 100 feet, plus audibility inside another person's "enclosed dwelling unit," defined as a dwelling unit with doors and windows closed.

What the ordinance actually says

Sec. 26-2: "Plainly audible and discernable. Sound that can be heard by the human ear and is sufficiently distinct so that its source can be clearly identified by a person using their unaided hearing faculties, unless that aid is a functioning medical hearing aid device. Specific words or phrases do not need to be discernible for sound to be plainly audible. The detection of rhythmic bass tones or reverberations is sufficient to be considered a plainly audible and discernable sound."

Sec. 26-6(a)(2): "Audio players, musical instruments, and similar devices. Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any audio player, musical instrument, or any device capable of producing or reproducing sound in such a manner or with such volume or physically perceptible vibrations that it is plainly audible (i) inside the confines of another person's enclosed dwelling unit or enclosed vehicle; or (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."

Sec. 26-6(a)(3): "Loudspeakers, public address systems, amplifiers, and similar devices. Using, operating, or permitting the operation of any loudspeaker, public address system, mobile sound vehicle, communication system, amplifier, or similar device capable of amplifying sound, including any such device in a motor vehicle, for any purpose between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to permit sound to be plainly audible (i) inside the confines of another person's enclosed dwelling unit or enclosed motor vehicle; or (ii) at fifty (50) or more feet from the noise; or (iii) amplified music that is plainly audible at ten (10) or more feet from an entrance to a nightclub or restaurant on Granby Street, observed when all doors and windows facing the street are closed."

Sec. 26-6(a)(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."

Sec. 26-6(c): "Any noise not listed as an exemption or prohibited act in this subsection, that exceeds the maximum sound pressure level in Table II below is a violation of this chapter. Where the ambient noise level exceeds the maximum sound pressure levels, the noise complained of is permitted to exceed the ambient level by ten (10) decibels but no more." ... "The decibel level of any noise regulated this subsection must be measured by the use of a sound level meter at least fifty (50) feet from the noise source."

Sec. 26-3(b): "Each and every person operating, permitting, or controlling a source of noise is guilty of any violation caused by that source. If the person operating, permitting, or controlling the noise source cannot be identified, or the noise source is a business entity or premises; each and every owner, tenant, resident, or manager physically present on the property where the noise source is located is rebuttably presumed to be in violation of this chapter."

Sec. 26-4(a): "Unless otherwise specified, a violation of any provision of this chapter is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00)."

Quoted verbatim from the official codified text (Code of the City of Norfolk, Virginia, 1979, Chapter 26 "Noise," Secs. 26-1 through 26-8, enacted in full by Ord. No. 48,923, § 1 (adopted Sept. 13, 2022), which replaced the former Secs. 26-1 to 26-13: 26-1 declaration of policy, 26-2 definitions, 26-3 enforcement, 26-4 violations and penalties, 26-5 exemptions, 26-6 specific prohibitions (per se offenses; Table I, impulsive sound levels; Table II, maximum sound pressure levels), 26-7 conflict of ordinance, 26-8 severability; with Sec. 1-11 (classification of and penalties for violations), Sec. 6.1-76 (nuisance animals), Sec. 29-70.1 (small performances in parks and on sidewalks), Sec. 30-15 (sound amplification in parks) and Sec. 30-81 (noise aboard boats). Text read on Municode (library.municode.com, the City's code host: "Codified through Ordinance No. 50,383, adopted June 9, 2026. (Supp. No. 166)"; none of the uncodified 2026 ordinances Municode lists touches Chapter 26) on 2026-10-05.). Verified against the live code on 2026-10-05. Ordinances get amended — before acting on a specific provision, check the linked official code. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice.

How to file a noise complaint in Norfolk

Per norfolk.gov, Emergency Communications, "Calling the Non-Emergency Number": "Call the non-emergency number, 757-441-5610, to report the following:", with "Loud music complaints" in the list; the page adds that "Citizens may also use, the Online Reporting System provided by the Norfolk Police Department" and lists the Animal Care Center, 757-441-5505, for animal control information. The Norfolk Police Department's Citizens Online Reporting System page names property damage, stolen property, harassment, thefts, shoplifting and supplements as examples and does not mention noise. Under the code, the Norfolk Police Department and any other law enforcement agency with concurrent jurisdiction in the City may enforce its provisions, assisted by other city departments as the city manager directs or by the Virginia Department of Health (26-3(a)); officers may also seek voluntary compliance through a warning, conference or other means (26-3(e)). Everyone operating, permitting or controlling a noise source is guilty of a violation it causes, and if that person cannot be identified, or the source is a business or premises, each owner, tenant, resident or manager physically present on the property is rebuttably presumed to be in violation (26-3(b)). Violations are class 3 misdemeanors with a fine of up to $500 (26-4(a)); a Table I impulsive-sound violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor (26-6(b)(2)), which Sec. 1-11(a)(1) punishes by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both. Operating a device, vehicle or machinery in violation of the chapter in a way that endangers residents' comfort, repose, health or peace is also a public nuisance that may be abated by restraining order or injunction or the City's other nuisance powers (26-4(b)), and private suits for damages are preserved (26-3(d)). Sources: https://www.norfolk.gov/3253/Calling-the-Non-Emergency-Number and https://www.norfolk.gov/5754/Citizens-Online-Reporting-System.

Step by step, with what to log and what to expect after you file: how to file a noise complaint in Norfolk. For the general playbook — documenting the problem, talking to a landlord or HOA, when 311 beats 911 — see the noise complaints guide.

Worth knowing

(1) The chapter is a 2022 rewrite: Ord. No. 48,923 (adopted Sept. 13, 2022) replaced the former Secs. 26-1 to 26-13, and some cross-references elsewhere in the Code still point at the old numbering. Sec. 29-70.1(c)(12) tells street performers that Chapter 26's restrictions include "City Code section 26-10, setting maximum sound pressure levels based on time of day and the category of the area" and "subsection 26-8(b)" for parks; Chapter 26 now ends at 26-8 (severability), and its decibel table is in 26-6(c). The editor's cross-reference notes under Secs. 25-47 and 25-54 likewise point to "§ 26-10" and "§ 26-11." (2) The meter is read at least 50 feet from the source, not at the complainant's property line, and the limit is chosen by the zoning district where the reading is taken; where background noise already exceeds the limit, the source may run 10 decibels above the ambient level (26-6(c)). Table II lists Commercial Base at 67 / 62 dB(A) and separately lists Commercial Base C-N, with Downtown Base D-MU, D-FN and D-SP, at 67 / 52. (3) The "inside another person's enclosed dwelling unit" test assumes the neighbor's doors and windows are closed, by definition (26-2), and bass alone counts: "rhythmic bass tones or reverberations" make a sound plainly audible. (4) The party rule reaches noise from any gathering of two or more people (26-6(a)(6)), and amplified music from Granby Street nightclubs and restaurants is judged at just 10 feet from the entrance after 10:00 p.m. (26-6(a)(3)). (5) The per se ban on construction equipment applies only at night, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and the city manager or a designee can authorize night work in writing (26-6(a)(7)); work to restore safety after a public calamity or weather event, or to protect people or property from imminent danger, is exempt (26-5(3)). (6) Exemptions (26-5) also cover emergency alerts and emergency vehicles, generators during outages or other emergency or necessary circumstances, permitted city parades, performances, fireworks and special events, authorized organized athletic and recreational activities, railroads, FAA-regulated aircraft, clocks and church bells (including synthesized or recorded chimes), HVAC units within 10 decibels of ambient, city waste and recycling collection, sound from a church during worship services and other religious activities, utility facilities and lawful activities in industrial areas, temporary permitted activities, and muffled motor vehicles on public streets, but not revving engines, compression braking, racing or test-driving vehicles under repair (26-5(12)). (7) Impulsive sound over Table I is the only offense in the chapter carrying jail time: a Table I violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor (26-6(b)(2)), up to 12 months and $2,500 under Sec. 1-11(a)(1); everything else is a class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500 (26-4(a)). (8) If the person responsible cannot be identified, or the source is a business or premises, every owner, tenant, resident or manager physically present on the property is rebuttably presumed to be in violation (26-3(b)). (9) Animals: "Excessive, continuous or untimely barking" is an animal nuisance (6.1-76(a)), the animal control officer may impound an animal for a 6.1-76 violation (6.1-82(a)(11)), and violations of Chapter 6.1 are Class 1 misdemeanors unless otherwise provided (6.1-1). (10) Elsewhere: public address or sound amplification equipment or other noise in a park that violates Chapter 26 is unlawful (30-15), and anyone aboard a boat, whether under way, drifting, berthed or at anchor, may not make loud, disturbing or unreasonable noise that unreasonably disturbs or annoys others (30-81).

Document it before you report it

Norfolk's limits are measured numbers, so a reading is direct evidence of how loud it really is. Take a quick reading with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser and records nothing — and check how loud your block is on the Norfolk noise map. For time-stamped measurement history you can show a landlord or code officer, the app keeps a log.