Alexandria is considering updating an ordinance it hasn’t updated since the early 1960s.
The world has gotten much louder since then, and Alexandria has gotten a bit more crowded.
Now, noise from pets, power equipment and alarm systems are all being addressed in a possible revision to the City of Alexandria’s Noise Ordinance — the code that establishes what’s too loud and when.
The community can provide comments online or at one of two public meetings, where City staff will present information about the code revision process. The two meetings are:
- Oct. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Alexandria City Hall, Room 1101 (301 King St.)
- Oct. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)
The major changes are to construction, animals and power equipment:
Construction equipment for commercial properties cannot be used between 6 p.m. – 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 p.m. – 9 a.m. weekends and holidays. Exceptions are made for highway, railway and related construction. Residential construction noise is prohibited between 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. weekdays and 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. weekends and holidays.
Animals: Barking (or howling, baying, meowing, squawking, quacking or other noises) need to be limited between 10 p.m. – 7 a.m. that a person can hear between residential dwelling with doors and windows closed, or between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. for any five minutes in any 10-minute period. Animals that are injured or protecting themselves or their home, babies or a person from an actual threat, police dogs and agricultural operations are exempt.
Lawn equipment: Use of power equipment for landscaping and lawn maintenance is prohibited from 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. weekdays and 9 p.m. – 9 a.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
There are also adjustments to restrictions on noise from parties, noise amplification equipment, loading and unloading from vehicles and related events.
For more information, see these frequently asked questions.
