Noise from Specific Sources in Annapolis, MD

If you live in Annapolis or are thinking about moving there, noise from specific sources are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Annapolis has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise from specific sources, and some of them might surprise you.

Car Alarm Limits

Annapolis bars any audible security alarm from sounding more than fifteen minutes. An unattended car alarm becomes a public nuisance at that point, and police may disconnect it or have the vehicle towed.

Key details: Time limit: 15 minutes for any audible alarm. Fine: $400.00 per day (§ 11.12.025(B)). Enforcement power: Police may disconnect alarm or tow car. Classification: Municipal infraction.

Letting a car alarm sound past fifteen minutes is a municipal infraction carrying a $400.00-per-day fine; the Police Department may also disconnect the alarm or have the vehicle towed.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Annapolis can order sound testing of installed exterior mechanical equipment, done by a certified sound testing professional, and requires that equipment meet or exceed Maryland's state noise requirements.

Key details: Trigger: Code Official orders sound testing. Tester: certified sound testing professional required. Standard: must meet Maryland State noise limits. Enforcement: Director of Planning and Zoning. Penalty: municipal infraction, Council-set fine.

Violating any section of the Mechanical Code, including this testing requirement, is a municipal infraction subject to a fine set by City Council resolution; noncompliant installations can be ordered removed.

Generator Noise

Annapolis has no generator-specific rule: a running generator is judged under the citywide noise ordinance's decibel table: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime in residential zones under § 11.12.020.

Key details: Residential limit: 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Commercial/industrial limit: 75 dBA, day and night. Warning required: No: cite on first offense. Enforced by: Police Chief or Planning & Zoning Director.

Exceeding 65 dBA (day) or 55 dBA (night) in a residential zone violates § 11.12.020; the Enforcement Official can cite immediately, no warning required, with fines escalating for repeat offenses by the same person or property owner.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Annapolis alcoholic beverage licensees must cut all music inside a bar or nightclub within 15 minutes of closing and keep sound suppressed so it isn't audible outside the building.

Key details: Indoor music cutoff: 15 min before closing. Class C/F hard cutoff: 2 a.m. at latest. Exterior music: Requires ABC Board approval. Enforcement: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Repeat violation risk: License revocation.

Music audible off premises after the cutoff, or any exterior music without Board approval; the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board may revoke the license for repeat offenses.

This is one of the stricter rules in Annapolis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Annapolis's noise from specific sources 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 Annapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Annapolis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.