Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Chapter 108 for the County Code prohibits noise violations.  Here are some specific violations and the hours during which they are prohibited:

• Operating loud speakers or amplifiers (exterior of building) - 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.


• Operating construction equipment, operating power model vehicles, or repairing vehicles and equipment (all outdoors) - 9 p.m. - 7 a.m.


• Operating construction equipment on Sundays and federal holidays (outdoors) - 9 p.m. - 9 a.m.


• Truck loading and unloading (outdoors) - 9 p.m. - 6 a.m.

The County's Noise Ordinance forbids excessive noise from musical instruments, radios, televisions or other sound systems, as well as disturbances by barking dogs or other domestic animals.  To violate the ordinance, noise must be clearly audible across property lines or through partitions.

Westlawn residents have several options to deal with serious problems of barking dogs in the neighborhood.  Call the Police at 703-691-2131 to document the incident and have the Police visit the neighbor with the dog.

Another option is to call Zoning Enforcement, 703-324-1300, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.  You must leave your name and number so that someone can call you back and get more details on the problem.  Zoning will send a letter to the dog owner, notifying them of the complaint and that an investigation will occur if the barking problem continues.

Animal control, 703-830-3310, may also be able to help.  You can report violations of animal regulations--animals creating a nuisance, cruel treatment, or vicious animals--24 hours a day.

If none of these ideas works, call Zoning Enforcement for further options.  Fortunately, these approaches often work without having to take more serous action.

Dog owners also have options to deal with a barking problem with their dogs.  For example, pet stores sell anti-barking collars.  Zoning Enforcement, Animal Control, and local pet stores all can offer advice on dealing with this problem.