Noise Ordinance

While we previously had noise rules in place, they were rewritten and approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last year because of a state supreme court ruling on a similar law in Virginia Beach.  In other words, the county has always regulated noise, but here’s what you need to know about the new rules.

The law prohibits noises during specific hours, including:

• Using a loudspeaker or amplifier between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Making noise that can be plainly heard in another person’s home with the doors and windows closed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, or between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before a federal holiday.
• Operating power lawn equipment, including lawn mowers: (a) between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. when operating the equipment within 100 yards of a dwelling; or (b) between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. when operating the equipment 100 yards or more from a dwelling; or (c) between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. for golf course maintenance when operating the equipment 50 yards or more from a dwelling; or (d) between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. for golf course maintenance when operating the equipment less than 50 yards from a dwelling. However, on all properties, the operation of leaf blowers is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Fixing cars or mechanical devices outside between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Loading or unloading trucks outside within 100 yards of a residence between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• In the past, operating hours at the county’s off-leash dog parks were consistent with overall park operating hours — dawn to dusk. However, the Park Authority is changing those operating hours to match what is required as part of the new noise ordinance. The new hours will be 7 a.m. to one half-hour after sunset Monday through Friday. On weekends and federal holidays, the hours will be 8 a.m. to one half-hour after sunset.