{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/15.2-917.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/15.2-917.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/15.2-917.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/15.2-917.html"}],"law_id":349373,"edition_id":2,"section_id":349373,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-917","catch_line":"Applicability of local noise ordinances to certain sport shooting ranges","history":"1990, cc. 541, 577, \u00a7 15.1-29.20; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 544; 2006, c. 704.","full_text":"A\n\nNo local ordinance regulating any noise shall subject a sport shooting range to noise control standards more stringent than those in effect at its effective date. The operation or use of a sport shooting range shall not be enjoined on the basis of noise, nor shall any person be subject to action for nuisance or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise resulting from the operation of the range, if the range is in compliance with all ordinances relating to noise in effect at the time construction or operation of the range was approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation of the range.\n\nB\n\nAny sport shooting range operating or approved for construction within the Commonwealth, which has been condemned through an eminent domain proceeding by any condemning entity, and which relocates to another site within the same locality within two years of the final condemnation order, shall not be subjected to any noise control standard more stringent than those in effect at the effective date of such sport shooting range.\n\nC\n\nFor purposes of this section, “sport shooting range” means an area or structure designed for the use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, “effective date” means the time the construction or operation of the sports shooting range initially was approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation of the sports shooting range, whichever is earliest.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1302058,"text":"No local ordinance regulating any noise shall subject a sport shooting range to noise control standards more stringent than those in effect at its effective date. The operation or use of a sport shooting range shall not be enjoined on the basis of noise, nor shall any person be subject to action for nuisance or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise resulting from the operation of the range, if the range is in compliance with all ordinances relating to noise in effect at the time construction or operation of the range was approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation of the range.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1302059,"text":"Any sport shooting range operating or approved for construction within the Commonwealth, which has been condemned through an eminent domain proceeding by any condemning entity, and which relocates to another site within the same locality within two years of the final condemnation order, shall not be subjected to any noise control standard more stringent than those in effect at the effective date of such sport shooting range.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1302060,"text":"For purposes of this section, “sport shooting range” means an area or structure designed for the use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, “effective date” means the time the construction or operation of the sports shooting range initially was approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation of the sports shooting range, whichever is earliest.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":50051,"edition_id":2,"name":"Public Health and Safety; Nuisances","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":50050,"metadata":{"child_laws":49,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:20:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1383361,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50051,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50050,"edition_id":2,"name":"General Powers of Local Governments","identifier":"9","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":49834,"metadata":{"child_laws":137,"child_structures":6},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:20:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1383359,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50050,"identifier":"9","token":"15.2\/II\/9","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49834,"edition_id":2,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":2,"parent_id":49831,"metadata":{"child_laws":1081,"child_structures":112},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:24","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1379371,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49834,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49831,"edition_id":2,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":46,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":2297,"child_structures":225},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:22","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:22","permalink":{"id":1378281,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49831,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":349342,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-900","catch_line":"Abatement or removal of nuisances by localities; recovery of costs","url":"\/15.2-900\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-900","metadata":false},{"id":349344,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-901","catch_line":"Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty","url":"\/15.2-901\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901","metadata":false},{"id":349343,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-901.1","catch_line":"Locality may provide for control of running bamboo; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-901.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901.1","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":349345,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-902","catch_line":"Authority of locality to control certain noxious weeds","url":"\/15.2-902\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-902","metadata":false},{"id":349346,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-903","catch_line":"Ordinances taxing and regulating \"automobile graveyards,\" \"junkyards,\" and certain vacant and abandoned property","url":"\/15.2-903\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-903","metadata":false},{"id":349347,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-904","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles; penalty","url":"\/15.2-904\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-904","metadata":false},{"id":349348,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-905","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles","url":"\/15.2-905\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-905","metadata":false},{"id":349350,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-906","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","url":"\/15.2-906\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906","metadata":false},{"id":349349,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-906.1","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/15.2-906.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906.1","metadata":false},{"id":349353,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-907","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring illegal drug use or other criminal activity","url":"\/15.2-907\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907","metadata":false},{"id":349351,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-907.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-907.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.1","metadata":false},{"id":349352,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-907.2","catch_line":"Authority of locality or land bank entity to be appointed to act as a receiver to repair derelict and blighted buildings in certain limited circumstances","url":"\/15.2-907.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.2","metadata":false},{"id":349355,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-908","catch_line":"Authority of localities to remove or repair the defacement of buildings, walls, fences and other structures","url":"\/15.2-908\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908","metadata":false},{"id":349354,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-908.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring a bawdy place","url":"\/15.2-908.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908.1","metadata":false},{"id":349356,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-909","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of wharves, piers, pilings, bulkheads, vessels or abandoned, obstructing or hazardous property","url":"\/15.2-909\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-909","metadata":false},{"id":349357,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-910","catch_line":"Ordinance certifying boiler and pressure vessel operators; penalty","url":"\/15.2-910\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-910","metadata":false},{"id":349358,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-911","catch_line":"Regulation of alarm company operators","url":"\/15.2-911\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-911","metadata":false},{"id":349363,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-912","catch_line":"Regulation of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons; definitions; exception","url":"\/15.2-912\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912","metadata":false},{"id":349359,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-912.1","catch_line":"Regulation of martial arts instruction","url":"\/15.2-912.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.1","metadata":false},{"id":349360,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-912.2","catch_line":"Proceeds exempt from local taxation","url":"\/15.2-912.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.2","metadata":false},{"id":349361,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-912.3","catch_line":"Regulation of dance halls by counties, cities, and towns","url":"\/15.2-912.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.3","metadata":false},{"id":349362,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-912.4","catch_line":"Regulation of tobacco and hemp product retail sale locations","url":"\/15.2-912.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-912.4","metadata":false},{"id":349364,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-913","catch_line":"Ordinances regulating certain vendors","url":"\/15.2-913\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-913","metadata":false},{"id":349365,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-914","catch_line":"Regulation of child-care services and facilities in cities and certain counties","url":"\/15.2-914\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-914","metadata":false},{"id":349371,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915","catch_line":"Control of firearms; applicability to authorities and local governmental agencies","url":"\/15.2-915\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"South v. Commonwealth","case_number":"2209041","citation":"623 S.E.2d 419","date":"2005-12-20","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1063333\/south-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. *250KELSEY, Judge. .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"COA<\/abbr>"},"1":{"name":"Fitzgerald v. Fairfax County School Board","case_number":"Civil Action 1:07cv1117","citation":"556 F. Supp. 2d 543","date":"2008-05-23","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2390122\/fitzgerald-v-fairfax-county-school-board\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, E.D. Virginia"}}}},{"id":349366,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-915.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.1","metadata":false},{"id":349367,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.2","catch_line":"Regulation of transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun","url":"\/15.2-915.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.2","metadata":false},{"id":349368,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.3","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-915.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.3","metadata":false},{"id":349369,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.4","catch_line":"Counties, cities and towns authorized to regulate use of pneumatic guns","url":"\/15.2-915.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.4","metadata":false},{"id":349370,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.5","catch_line":"Disposition of firearms acquired by localities","url":"\/15.2-915.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.5","metadata":false},{"id":349372,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-916","catch_line":"Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, slingbows, arrowguns, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows","url":"\/15.2-916\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-916","metadata":false},{"id":349373,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-917","catch_line":"Applicability of local noise ordinances to certain sport shooting ranges","url":"\/15.2-917\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-917","metadata":false},{"id":349374,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-918","catch_line":"Locality may prohibit or regulate use of air cannons","url":"\/15.2-918\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-918","metadata":false},{"id":349375,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-919","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-919\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-919","metadata":false},{"id":349376,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-920","catch_line":"Regulation of outdoor lighting near certain facilities","url":"\/15.2-920\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-920","metadata":false},{"id":349377,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-921","catch_line":"Ordinances requiring fencing of swimming pools","url":"\/15.2-921\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-921","metadata":false},{"id":349380,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-922","catch_line":"Smoke alarms in certain buildings","url":"\/15.2-922\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922","metadata":false},{"id":349378,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-922.1","catch_line":"Regulating or prohibiting the making of fires","url":"\/15.2-922.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922.1","metadata":false},{"id":349379,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-922.2","catch_line":"Special fee for emergency services in certain counties","url":"\/15.2-922.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922.2","metadata":false},{"id":349381,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-923","catch_line":"Local water-saving ordinances","url":"\/15.2-923\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-923","metadata":false},{"id":349383,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-924","catch_line":"Water supply emergency ordinances","url":"\/15.2-924\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-924","metadata":false},{"id":349382,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-924.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-924.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-924.1","metadata":false},{"id":349385,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-925","catch_line":"Regulation, etc., of assemblies or movement of persons or vehicles under certain circumstances; curfew; penalty","url":"\/15.2-925\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925","metadata":false},{"id":349384,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-925.1","catch_line":"Local notifications","url":"\/15.2-925.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925.1","metadata":false},{"id":349390,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926","catch_line":"Prohibiting loitering; frequenting amusements and curfew for minors; penalty","url":"\/15.2-926\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926","metadata":false},{"id":349386,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.1","catch_line":"Bounties for coyotes","url":"\/15.2-926.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.1","metadata":false},{"id":349387,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.2","catch_line":"Adoption of ordinances prohibiting obscenity","url":"\/15.2-926.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.2","metadata":false},{"id":349388,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.3","catch_line":"Local regulation of certain aircraft","url":"\/15.2-926.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.3","metadata":false},{"id":349389,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.4","catch_line":"Regulation of smoking in outdoor amphitheater or concert venue; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-926.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":349372,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-916","catch_line":"Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, slingbows, arrowguns, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows","url":"\/15.2-916\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-916","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":349374,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-918","catch_line":"Locality may prohibit or regulate use of air cannons","url":"\/15.2-918\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-918","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-917\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1990. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 541 and 577 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1990 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 544<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 704<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1383487,"object_type":"law","relational_id":349373,"identifier":"15.2-917","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-917","url":"\/15.2-917\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-917\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-917","dublin_core":{"Title":"Applicability of local noise ordinances to certain sport shooting ranges","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-917","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No local ordinance<\/span> regulating any noise shall subject a sport shooting range<\/span> to noise control standards more stringent than those in effect at its effective date<\/span>. The operation or use of a sport shooting range<\/span> shall not be enjoined on the basis of noise, nor shall any person be subject to action for nuisance or criminal prosecution<\/span> in any matter relating to noise resulting from the operation of the range, if the range is in compliance with all ordinances<\/span> relating to noise in effect at the time construction or operation of the range was approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation of the range. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any sport shooting range<\/span> operating or approved for construction within the Commonwealth, which has been condemned through an eminent domain proceeding by any condemning entity, and which relocates to another site within the same locality<\/span> within two years of the final condemnation order<\/span>, shall not be subjected to any noise control standard more stringent than those in effect at the effective date<\/span> of such sport shooting range<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> For purposes of this section, “sport shooting range<\/span>” means an area or structure designed for the use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, “effective date<\/span>” means the time the construction or operation of the sports shooting range initially was approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation of the sports shooting range, whichever is earliest. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPLICABILITY OF LOCAL NOISE ORDINANCES TO CERTAIN SPORT SHOOTING RANGES (\u00a7\n15.2-917)\n\nA. No local ordinance regulating any noise shall subject a sport shooting range\nto noise control standards more stringent than those in effect at its effective\ndate. The operation or use of a sport shooting range shall not be enjoined on\nthe basis of noise, nor shall any person be subject to action for nuisance or\ncriminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise resulting from the\noperation of the range, if the range is in compliance with all ordinances\nrelating to noise in effect at the time construction or operation of the range\nwas approved, or at the time any application was submitted for the construction\nor operation of the range.\n\nB. Any sport shooting range operating or approved for construction within the\nCommonwealth, which has been condemned through an eminent domain proceeding by\nany condemning entity, and which relocates to another site within the same\nlocality within two years of the final condemnation order, shall not be\nsubjected to any noise control standard more stringent than those in effect at\nthe effective date of such sport shooting range.\n\nC. For purposes of this section, “sport shooting range” means an\narea or structure designed for the use of rifles, shotguns, pistols,\nsilhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting.\n\t\t\tFor purposes of this section, “effective date” means the time the\nconstruction or operation of the sports shooting range initially was approved,\nor at the time any application was submitted for the construction or operation\nof the sports shooting range, whichever is earliest.\n\nHISTORY: 1990, cc. 541, 577, \u00a7 15.1-29.20; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 544; 2006, c.\n704.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}