Sound permit / noise ordinance
In Stafford County, any noise that exceeds the maximum permissible sound levels in residential zoning is prohibited unless a permit has been obtained from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Any noise is defined as any sound which emanates from any operation, activity, or source.
Daytime means the local time of day between the hours of 7am to 10pm (weekdays) and 9am to 10pm (Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays observed by the county government)
Nighttime means the local time of between the hours of 10pm and 7am (weekdays) and 10pm to 9am (Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays observed by the county government)
It is unlawful to use loudspeakers or sound amplifiers in the county without first securing a permit from the Sheriff's Office. The county code also addresses noise from motor vehicles or devices: if a radio, stereo, musical instrument, or amplification device produces sound that is "plainly audible" at 50 feet or more from the source, that may violate county ordinance. This ordinance also covers animal noises: for example, allowing any animal (or bird) to create noise that is plainly audible at least once a minute for ten consecutive minutes either inside another's dwelling or 50 feet distant is prohibited.