Spotsylvania County VA has an exceptionally permissive noise ordinance that favors business and industry to the detriment of residents.

Section 14-51 of the ordinance outlines the maximum permissible decibels for residential, commercial, and industrial zoning based on the time of day. This is pretty typical.

But then Section 14-52(a)3 exempts all "noise emitted by a commercial or industrial establishment which noise is customarily emitted by such commercial establishments or industries." This means that from 6am to 10pm seven days a week, there are no restrictions to the noise from that establishment. So if there is a loud business near your residential area, you have absolutely no recourse or protection 16 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is not typical. Caroline, King George, Louisa, Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg do not have a similar exemption clause in their noise ordinance. They clearly understand that giving carte blanche permission to businesses to make unlimited noise is unfair to residents.

There has been a disturbing trend over the last few years of establishments that routinely produce over 70 decibels of noise moving into the middle of rural and residential areas and there are more planned. It is imperative that we let our County officials know that this must be changed, otherwise the peace and quiet of your home could be next.

This petition will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission to let them know that their constituents want to see Section 14-52(a)3 repealed. Please also email them directly.

Please only sign if you are a Spotsylvania County VA resident, then forward this petition to other county residents. Together we can reclaim the peace and quiet we deserve in our homes.