Military Air Installation -- FAQ

What is a military air installation noise zone?: In Virginia the seller is required to provide to the buyer with a disclosure that the property is located within a military zone that is considered a noise hazard. These zones are designated by official maps that each locality possesses. The Department of Defense (DoD) provides noise zones as a planning tool for local planning agencies.

DoD measures noise exposure using the day-night average sound levels (DNL). The DNL noise metric averages noise events that occur over a 24-hour period. Aircraft operations conducted at night (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) are weighted because people are more sensitive to noise during normal sleeping hours when ambient noise levels are lower.
What does the Residential Property Disclosure form say?: The owner of residential real property located in any locality in which a military air installation is located shall disclose to the purchaser whether the subject parcel is located in a noise zone or accident potential zone, or both, if so designated on the official zoning map by the locality in which the property is located on a form provided by the Real Estate Board. Such disclosure shall state the specific noise zone or accident potential zone, or both, in which the property is located according to the official zoning map.
Why is this information important?: Prospective home buyers may want to know if the property is exposed to jet noise from a military air installation.