Fluvanna supervisors update noise‑control draft and agree to exempt routine lawn mowing before public hearing

Fluvanna County staff proposed comprehensive updates to the county noise ordinance on July 1: modern decibel metrics, daytime/nighttime definitions, new maximum sound levels for business/industrial zones, additional procedures for magistrate complaints, and a new injunctive remedy intended to strengthen enforcement.

The draft also extended prohibited hours for construction, maintenance and demolition (proposed change to 9 p.m.–7 a.m.), added explicit daytime/nighttime decibel thresholds and introduced clearer language to define "plainly audible within another dwelling with doors closed" for enforcement purposes. The sheriff’s office told the board it supports stronger nuisance language but warned the ordinance must be enforceable.

A recurring public concern was early‑morning lawn mowing. Several supervisors and county staff said routine mowing and standard farm operations should not unintentionally criminalize normal rural life; the board directed staff to exempt routine lawn mowing (and clarify farm equipment exemptions) before the Aug. 19 public hearing. Major Wells of the sheriff’s office said he still had enforcement concerns about the ordinance’s clarity but welcomed the 'plainly audible with doors closed' formulation as more practicable for magistrates.

The board voted to advertise the amended noise ordinance for public hearing on Aug. 19, with staff asked to update the draft to exempt routine mowing and craft clearer enforcement language for magistrates.

Next steps: staff will revise the draft noise ordinance to add mowing/farmer exemptions and clearer enforcement procedures and return the ordinance for public hearing and final board action on Aug. 19.