Noise Ordinances in Frederick, MD (2026)
5 verified noise ordinances for Frederick, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Frederick's noise ordinance splits the day into 'daytime hours,' 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 'nighttime hours,' 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., under City Code § 15-21.1. Table 1 in § 15-21.2(a) then holds nighttime noise to lower decibel ceilings than daytime in every zoning district, enforced with escalating municipal-infraction fines.
Frederick Nighttime Noise Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsCity of Frederick Code § 15-21.1(b),(d)
(b)"Daytime hours" means 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., local time. ... (d)"Nighttime hours" means 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., local time.
Construction Hours
Frederick caps construction and demolition site noise at 90 dBA during daytime hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and drops to the stricter Table 1 zoning-district limits, as low as 55 dBA in residential areas, overnight, under City Code § 15-21.2(b), backed by the noise ordinance's escalating fine schedule.
Frederick Construction Noise Hour Limits
Some RestrictionsCity of Frederick Code § 15-21.2(b)
(b)A person may not cause or permit noise levels emanating from construction or demolition site activities which exceed:(1)Ninety (90) dBA during daytime hours;(2)The levels specified in Table 1 during nighttime hours.
Barking Dogs
Frederick bans owning any animal that disturbs the peace by barking, howling, or other audible noise. Each violation is a municipal infraction with a flat $100 fine, and every day the disturbance continues counts as a separate offense.
Noisy Animal / Barking Dog Law in Frederick, MD
Some RestrictionsCity of Frederick Code § 3-7
(a)Prohibited. An individual may not own any animal which, by barking, howling or in any other audible manner, disturbs the peace, order and quiet of the City.(b)Violation. Violation of this section is a municipal infraction punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00). Each day a violation continues is deemed a separate offense.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Under City Code § 15-21.2(c)-(d), it's unlawful to play a radio, stereo, or other sound device loud enough to be 'plainly audible' 50 feet away on public property or from a vehicle, and locations licensed to serve alcohol may not let amplified sound carry 100 feet onto neighboring residential property.
Frederick Amplified Sound Distance Limits
Significant RestrictionsCity of Frederick Code § 15-21.2(c)-(d)
(c)It is unlawful for any person or persons to play, use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated, any radio, tape recorder, cassette player or other machine or device for reproducing sound, if the sound generated is audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the device producing the sound and if the device is located in or on either of the following:(1)Any public property, includin...
Decibel Limits
Table 1 of City Code § 15-21.2(a) sets maximum ambient noise levels by receiving zoning district: 75 dBA day and night in industrial zones, 67 dBA day/62 dBA night in commercial zones, and 65 dBA day/55 dBA night in residential zones, measured at the property line with state-referenced equipment.
Frederick Zoning-Based Decibel Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsCity of Frederick Code § 15-21.2(a)
(a)Except as provided for herein, no person shall create or permit noise levels that exceed those specified in Table l; such noise levels are the maximum levels permitted by state law. Table 1. Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA) for Receiving Zoning Districts Day/Night Industrial Commercial Residential Day 75 67 65 Night 75 62 55