[Archived] City of Alexandria Revised Noise Ordinance in Effect

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2022

The City of Alexandria’s revised noise control ordinance, which offers more protection in residential areas, went into effect on January 1, 2022. City Council unanimously voted to pass the revised noise control ordinance at a public hearing in December 2021, after considering extensive public input and reviewing noise control regulations for neighboring jurisdictions.

City Council’s adoption culminated in a comprehensive effort to make the City’s noise control ordinance legally enforceable and more protective of residential areas, while allowing reasonable vibrancy in the business corridors during business hours.

The following policy changes are now in effect: 

Do-it-yourself construction activities are regulated by the permitted hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Permissible noise limits at the property lines are determined by the property use category of the noise source.
The City adopts the more restrictive plainly audible standard from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. in residential areas. 
The “Noise in Public Places—Central Business District” provisions are expanded for regulating noise in public places in all parts of the city.
Loading, unloading and delivery activities are prohibited between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., if they occur within 500 feet of residential areas.
The decibel standard for commercial use is increased to 65 dB(A) for daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., while the nighttime standard remains at 60 dB(A).
The civil penalty for noise violations is increased to $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second violation and $500 for the third violation.

Residents should report noise issues via Alex311 online or by calling 311 or 703.746.4311. For noise issues after business hours, contact Alexandria Police Department non-emergency at 703.746.4444.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Noise for more information.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Editorial Communications Manager, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

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