Noise Ordinances in Severna Park, MD: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Severna Park or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Severna Park has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Barking Dogs

Under Anne Arundel County Code Section 12-4-903, it is unlawful to permit an animal to disturb the quiet of a person or neighborhood. Continual barking, howling, or whining causing unreasonable disturbance is a public nuisance. Dogs must bark for 5 consecutive minutes to qualify for a complaint.

Key details: Standard: Unreasonable annoyance or disturbance. Duration: 5 minutes continuous barking. Daytime Complaints: Animal Control (7 AM–11 PM). Nighttime Complaints: Police (11 PM–7 AM). Fine: $50–$500 per violation.

Warning letter first. Administrative fines $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Quiet Hours

Severna Park is unincorporated and follows Anne Arundel County noise regulations under County Code Section 9-1-706 and Maryland COMAR 26.02.03. Residential receiving properties are limited to 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Audio devices at unreasonably loud volume are prohibited at any time in residential districts.

Key details: Daytime Limit: 65 dBA (7 AM–10 PM). Nighttime Limit: 55 dBA (10 PM–7 AM). Audio Devices: No unreasonably loud volume in residential districts. Enforcement: Anne Arundel County Police.

First offense warning or citation. Fines typically $100 to $500. Repeat violations: escalating fines up to $1,000.

Construction Hours

Severna Park follows Anne Arundel County and Maryland state noise standards for construction. The standard 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime residential limits apply. Maryland exempts certain construction activities from noise limits but blasting is restricted to daytime hours only.

Key details: Daytime Limit: 65 dBA (7 AM–10 PM). Nighttime Limit: 55 dBA (10 PM–7 AM). Blasting: Daytime only. State Exemption: Some construction activities exempt under COMAR.

Stop-work orders for violations. Fines $100 to $500 per occurrence. Repeat offenders may lose permit privileges.

The Bottom Line

Severna Park's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Severna Park is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Severna Park's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.