Shh. New noise rules start in Fairfax County - WTOP News (2024)

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated. It was first posted Nov. 18, 2015.

WASHINGTON — It’s time to pipe down in Fairfax County.

Newrules regulating noisetake effect Feb. 17.

Evening noise restrictions between10 p.m. and 7 a.m. cover amplified music, loudspeakers atathletic fields and more.

Overly loud or extensive animal noises, includingbarking, howling, meowing and squawking, also are prohibited between those hours.

Insummer months, when daylightlasts well into the evening, lawn mowing won’t be allowed. Noise restrictions forlawn mowers and power equipment begin at 9 p.m.

Early morning start times for allowable lawn maintenance vary depending on distance from dwellings and golf course proximity, but leaf blower use is prohibited everywherebefore7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

The evening cutoff point for dog park noise is dusk. Morning noise from dog parks is prohibited before 7 a.m. on weekdays and before 8 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays.

Noise from activities such as unloading trucks and fixing cars are bannedbetween 9 p.m. and 7a.m. Outdoor collection of trash or recyclable materials in residential areas and/or within 100 yards of a home is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Some noises aren’t subject to the new rules. They include generators used in emergencies, snow removal, Metro trains and first responder sirens.

County rules pertaining to noise were rewritten because a “reasonable person” standard for violations was declaredtoo subjective bythe Virginia Supreme Court.

Fairfax County noise ordinance violators can be charged either civilly or criminally. Criminal convictions would be Class 2 misdemeanors, which could result ina fine of up to$1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

Civil penaltiesare$250 for first offenses and$500 thereafter.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect different times for trash collection noise.