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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Richmond, Virginia
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 23:00-07:00 (nighttime period used for limits and enforcement)
Weekends/holidays: 23:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-21:00 (standard); other hours require written CAO authorization
Construction weekends: 07:00-21:00 (standard); other hours require written CAO authorization
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Richmond’s updated Sound Control ordinance (Ord. 2022-219) sets 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night limits for residences (measured outdoors at single-family/duplex property or inside multifamily units). Civil penalties are $100, then $200 within 7 days, then $500 within 14 days. Refuse collection is limited to 07:00-23:00. See Ord. 2022-219 ( §§ 11-32–11-38 ) and the 2024 amendment to §11-36(10).
Residential quiet hours
23:00-07:00 (nighttime period used for limits and enforcement)
Weekends & holidays: 23:00-07:00
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-21:00 (standard); other hours require written CAO authorization
Weekends: 07:00-21:00 (standard); other hours require written CAO authorization
Lawn equipment
07:00-21:00 (domestic power tools with proper mufflers)
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Vehicle audio plainly audible at ≥50 ft is prohibited; buskers ≤75 dBA day / 65 dBA night at 10 ft; restaurants ≤80 dBA day / 75 dBA night unless adjacent to residential, then 65/55 dBA applies.
Typical fines
Civil penalties: $100 (first), $200 (second within 7 days), $500 (third within 14 days); each hour of a continued violation is a separate offense
First offense: ~$100 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via RVA 311 for non-emergency requests; Richmond Police non-emergency (804-646-5100) for active disturbances. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.rva.gov/citizen-service-and-response/about-rva-311 or call RVA 311 for non-emergency requests; Richmond Police non-emergency (804-646-5100) for active disturbances. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi there — Richmond’s quiet hours are 11 p.m.–7 a.m., and the City’s sound limits are 65 dBA by day and 55 dBA at night. Could we keep volume down late evenings? Thanks so much.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we’re experiencing recurring noise that appears to exceed Richmond’s updated sound limits (Ord. 2022-219). Please remind tenants/contractors of quiet hours (11 p.m.–7 a.m.) and permitted work times (generally to 9 p.m.). Happy to share my RVA 311 case # upon request.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- For multifamily complaints, note that measurements are taken inside the receiving unit (4 ft from the nearest surface, with doors/windows closed).
- Refuse collection is restricted to 07:00-23:00; if pickups occur earlier, reference §11-36(10) as amended in 2024.
- Include address, duration, and if a venue/restaurant is adjacent to residential (stricter 65/55 dBA applies).
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.