Portsmouth, VA
Noise Code
The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Portsmouth, VA.
Ordinance Summary
Portsmouth, VA noise ordinances, under City Code Sec. 24-255, prohibit unlawful excessive sound that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others. This includes restrictions on outdoor amplified sound after 10:00 PM for entertainment establishments and general prohibitions against excessive noise, with sound level measurements used as prima facie evidence for violations.
Quiet Hours
Not specified generally for residential, but outdoor amplified sound for entertainment is restricted after 10:00 PM. Entertainment establishment hours of operation are 8:00 AM to Midnight.
Police Non-Emergency
757-393-5300Decibel Limits
"The ordinance, Sec. 24-255, defines dBA and mentions sound level meters for measuring noise, which serves as prima facie evidence in legal proceedings."
Measure Noise Levels Instantly
Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Portsmouth, VA code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
For a specific warehouse and light manufacturing use, noise-causing operations are prohibited from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. General construction hours are not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets.
Outdoor amplified sound is restricted after 10:00 P.M. for restaurants requiring entertainment establishment use permits. Entertainment establishments must also ensure noise complies with City Code Sec. 24-255 and does not create unreasonable environmental aspects. Live entertainment is permitted indoors only for these establishments.
The general prohibition against 'unlawful excessive sound' in Sec. 24-255 likely covers excessive animal noise. Animal Control can be reached at 757-393-8876 or via the non-emergency police number for animal-related issues.
The overarching 'unlawful excessive sound' provision in Sec. 24-255 would generally apply to vehicle noise. While a Portsmouth, NH ordinance explicitly restricts unnecessary horn sounding, specific details for Portsmouth, VA are not provided in the readily available summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet Hours?
Not specified generally for residential, but outdoor amplified sound for entertainment is restricted after 10:00 PM. Entertainment establishment hours of operation are 8:00 AM to Midnight..
Construction?
Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.
Who to call?
Use Non-Emergency Police: 757-393-5300.
Fines?
Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.
Noise Solutions for Portsmouth, VA
SolvedBest Gear for Portsmouth, VA Residents
Ultrasonic Bark Control
Humane deterrent that emits a high-frequency sound when it detects barking.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
The "gold standard" for sleeping. Reduces noise by 24dB without the pain of foam plugs.
1/2" Thick Rug Pad
Essential for the "80% Rule." Adds density to rugs to absorb footfall impact noise for downstairs neighbors.
Hemp Calming Chews
Natural relief for dog anxiety. Perfect for separation anxiety barking or fear of fireworks.
ThunderShirt for Dogs
The best solution for anxiety-induced barking (fireworks, thunder, separation).
Marpac Dohm Classic
The original fan-based machine. Unlike digital loops, this creates real rushing air sound.
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