Fluvanna supervisors review noise‑ordinance revisions; set public hearing for Aug. 19

County staff briefed the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors on proposed amendments to Chapter 15.2 of the county code to update local noise regulations, clarify health‑based purposes and add new technical definitions.

Staff said the Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance and recommended changes including added definitions (weighted daytime dBA and impulse metrics), maximum daytime and nighttime sound levels for business and industrial zones, and updated prohibited acts for agricultural and residential areas. The draft also moves some time restrictions (for example, adjusting certain prohibitions to 7:00 a.m.) and proposes language on exempted sounds (parades, fireworks, and Lake Monticello Owners Association official events). Staff explained that penalties remain constrained by the Code of Virginia and that fines cannot apply to noises generated on industrial properties in several contexts.

Board members raised enforcement questions about proposed animal‑noise restrictions (broad language on ‘‘animal noise’’ was identified as problematic), and staff said they would strike or clarify specific language for dogs and hunting‑dog exemptions so the ordinance would be enforceable. The board also discussed trash collection and construction time windows; staff noted that some collection contractors begin routes before 7:00 a.m., so the drafters may exempt specific essential services or adjust time windows.

The board instructed staff to review resident comments (including written comments provided at the meeting) and make the changes discussed tonight; staff will advertise the revised ordinance and bring it back at a public hearing. Staff indicated the hearing will be advertised for August 19.

The board did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; it directed staff to incorporate clarifications (especially on animal/dog exemptions and enforcement mechanics) prior to the advertised public hearing.