Noise Ordinances in Washington, DC (2026)
3 verified noise ordinances for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
In Washington, D.C. it is unlawful to make an unreasonably loud noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is likely to annoy or disturb another person in their residence. The Metropolitan Police Department enforces the curfew as disorderly conduct under D.C. Code § 22-1321(d).
D.C. Nighttime Noise Curfew Law
Some RestrictionsD.C. Code § 22-1321(d), (h)
(d) It is unlawful for a person to make an unreasonably loud noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is likely to annoy or disturb one or more other persons in their residences. ... (h) A person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned not more than 90 days,...
Construction Hours
DC bars construction noise in residential zones after 7 p.m. and before 7 a.m. on weekdays, and entirely on Sundays and legal holidays, under 20 DCMR section 2803. After-hours work needs a Department of Buildings permit.
Washington DC Construction Noise Hours
Some Restrictions20 DCMR § 2803.2
No noise from construction, excluding minor home repairs, shall be permitted within a residential, special purpose, or waterfront zone on any Sunday or legal holiday, or after 7:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. on any weekday.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In Washington, D.C., bars, restaurants, and other on-premises retail licensees may not let amplified sound, bells, or musical instruments be heard outside the establishment unless it sits in a commercial or industrial zone.
Washington DC Noise Rules for Licensed Venues
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 25-725(a)
The licensee under an on-premises retailer's license shall not produce any sound, noise, or music of such intensity that it may be heard in any premises other than the licensed establishment by the use of any: (1) Mechanical device, machine, apparatus, or instrument for amplification of the human voice or any sound or noise; ... or (3) Musical instrument.