Noise ordinances; removes exemption for industrial property, civil penalties.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on fine amounts, only that penalties are applicable without exemption for industrial properties.

Noise Rules for Industrial Areas

This law removes an exemption that allowed industrial properties to avoid penalties for noise violations under local noise rules.

What This Bill Does

• Removes the special rule that let businesses on industrial land not face fines if they broke local noise laws.

Who It Names or Affects

• Local governments that make noise laws
• Businesses on industrial land

Terms To Know

Civil penalties

Fines given to people or companies who break the law, but not as serious as criminal charges.

Industrial property

Land used for manufacturing and other industrial activities.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how much noise is too loud.
• It doesn't change rules about railroads or areas approved by the Virginia Department of Energy.

Official Summary Text

Noise ordinances; industrial property; civil penalties.
Removes the exemption for noise generated in connection with the business being performed on industrial property from being subject to civil penalties for violations of local noise ordinances.

Current Bill Text

A BILL to amend and reenact §
15.2-980
of the Code of Virginia, relating to noise ordinances; industrial property; civil penalties.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §
15.2-980
of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§
15.2-980
. Civil penalties for violations of noise ordinances.

Any locality may, by ordinance, adopt a uniform schedule of civil penalties for violations of that locality's noise ordinance.
This provision shall not apply to noise generated in connection with the business being performed on industrial property.
Civil
fines will
penalties shall
not exceed $250 for the first
offense
violation
and $500 for each subsequent
offense
violation
. The locality may authorize the chief law-enforcement officer to enforce any civil penalties adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section. The provisions of this section shall not apply to railroads. No ordinance of any locality shall apply to sound emanating from any area permitted by the Virginia Department of Energy or any division thereof.