WASHINGTON — A change is coming to the noise standard in Loudoun County, Virginia. At a meeting Thursday night, the Board of Supervisors voted to adjust rules which govern how loud is too loud for residents, businesses and industrial operations.
The board kept the residential zone level at 55 decibels, but set new maximum levels for mixed-use residential areas, which can register no more than 60 decibels, while commercial areas have a maximum of 65 decibels and industrial zones can go up to 70 decibels.
The rules would be in effect during all hours of the day, and outdoor school activities and other youth athletic events would no longer be exempt.
Before a vote was taken, many residents chimed in on the issue, some calling the proposed requirements too strict while others said the rules weren’t strict enough.
“I just think it would be better for the citizens to have a level where they can keep some quietude at their own property,” said resident Kim Webb.
Some locals wanted to see the maximum noise level for residential areas dropped lower.
“If you approve this unhealthy ordinance, do you also intend to issue to all citizens good-quality ear protection muffs?” said Marvin Watts.
Some residents claimed that rural communities shouldn’t be held to the same standard as more populated areas. Others called for more regulation of the noise produced by data centers in the county.
Ahead of the vote, Supervisor Kristen Umsattd called for the maximum noise level to be reduced to 45 decibels. Moments later, using a noise measurement device, Supervisor Ralph Buona claimed the noise level in the board room was higher than that.
“There is not a lot of reason, to try to say we are going to go down to 45db, it’s not realistic, it’s less than silence in this room,” Buona said.
In a 7-2 vote the amendment to the county’s noise rules passed and the new rules will go in effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
Some of the county’s noise restrictions, courtesy of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office:
• Music may not be plainly audible and discernable within 100 feet or more from the sound’s source during a private party or other similar non-governmental event between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• A horn or alarm on any motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle on a street or in a public place cannot be sounded for more than 20 consecutive seconds except as a danger warning or as permitted by law.
• Spinning of tires and racing of engines in a motor vehicle or motorcycle are prohibited as well as the emission of noise created by the absence of a muffler.
