Noise Ordinances in Takoma Park, MD (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Takoma Park, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Takoma Park enforces strict quiet hours under Ordinance 2002-35 (Chapter 14.12). Nighttime runs 8 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends/holidays with a 55 dBA limit. Daytime allows up to 65 dBA. Two written complaints trigger a citation. Fines reach $200 first offense and $400 for repeats within one year.
Takoma Park Quiet Hours
Heavy RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Takoma Park adopts Montgomery County construction noise standards (MoCo Code 31B-6) by reference. Weekday construction is allowed 7 AM to 5 PM at up to 75 dBA (85 dBA with a Noise Suppression Plan). Evenings, weekends, holidays, and nighttime have stricter residential limits of 65 dBA or 55 dBA.
Takoma Park Construction Hours
Heavy RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Under Chapter 14.12 Section 9, no person may allow a dog or other animal to persistently, habitually, or continuously bark, howl, or yelp causing a noise disturbance regardless of decibel level. Enforcement requires two written complaints within 10 days. Fines reach $200 first offense.
Takoma Park Barking Dog Rules
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Takoma Park has among the strictest leaf blower rules in the DC metro. The city noise ordinance (Ch. 14.12, Sec. 8) caps all leaf blowers at 70 dBA at 50 feet, bans nighttime use entirely, and limits daytime use to 2 hours per property per 24-hour period. Additionally, Montgomery County banned all gas-powered leaf blowers effective July 1, 2025, with $500 fines.
Takoma Park Leaf Blower Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Amplified music in Takoma Park must stay within 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime limits. Events with amplified sound require a temporary waiver requested at least two weeks in advance from the city. Permitted sports and entertainment events are allowed 9 AM to 10 PM. Fines reach $200 first offense.
Takoma Park Amplified Music Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTakoma Park Municipal Noise Control Ordinance
Takoma Park Noise Control Law Takoma Park has a noise control law to protect public health and allow for the peaceful enjoyment of property. It provides common sense guidelines for residents and businesses. It also provides remedies, including corrective orders, fines, and criminal penalties. View the complete Takoma Park Municipal Noise Control Ordinance online. It is unlawful to create a nois...
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is explicitly exempt from Takoma Park's noise ordinance under Chapter 14.12. The city sits near the flight paths for Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Joint Base Andrews. Residents experience intermittent aircraft noise but have no local enforcement mechanism. Federal aviation regulations preempt local noise rules for aircraft.
Takoma Park Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial and commercial noise in Takoma Park must meet the same residential decibel limits as all other sources: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the receiving property. Takoma Park is primarily residential with limited commercial zones along major corridors. Montgomery County Code 31B also provides concurrent enforcement authority.
Takoma Park Industrial Noise
Heavy RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Takoma Park sets residential decibel limits at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime under Ordinance 2002-35. If ambient noise already exceeds these thresholds, the limit adjusts to ambient plus 3 dBA. Leaf blowers are separately capped at 70 dBA at 50 feet. A sound meter reading is not required to establish a violation.
Takoma Park Decibel Limits
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music in Takoma Park must comply with 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime limits. Events with amplified outdoor music require a temporary waiver requested two weeks in advance. Permitted events allowed 9 AM to 10 PM. The city hosts regular outdoor music at the Takoma Park Farmers Market and annual festivals under city-sanctioned exemptions.
Takoma Park Outdoor Music Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTakoma Park Municipal Noise Control Ordinance
Takoma Park Noise Control Law Takoma Park has a noise control law to protect public health and allow for the peaceful enjoyment of property. It provides common sense guidelines for residents and businesses. It also provides remedies, including corrective orders, fines, and criminal penalties. View the complete Takoma Park Municipal Noise Control Ordinance online. It is unlawful to create a nois...
Looking for Montgomery County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Takoma Park city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Montgomery County →