Decibel Limits: Gaithersburg vs Takoma Park
How do decibel limits rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Gaithersburg has fewer restrictions than Takoma Park.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B sets specific decibel limits for Gaithersburg based on zoning and time of day. Residential zones are limited to 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Commercial and industrial zones have higher thresholds. Enforcement uses calibrated sound-level meters at the receiving property line.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
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.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Day | 65 dBA maximum | - |
| Residential Night | 55 dBA maximum | - |
| Commercial Day | 67 dBA maximum | - |
| Industrial Day | 75 dBA maximum | - |
| Measurement | A-weighted at property line | - |
| Daytime | - | 65 dBA (7 AM - 8 PM wkdy) |
| Nighttime | - | 55 dBA (8 PM - 7 AM wkdy) |
| Ambient Rule | - | Ambient + 3 dBA |
| Leaf Blowers | - | 70 dBA at 50 feet |
| Meter Required | - | No |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
What are the decibel limits in Gaithersburg residential areas?
Residential zones are limited to 65 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA during nighttime under Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B. Measurements are taken at the receiving property line.
How are noise levels measured for enforcement?
Enforcement uses calibrated Type II or better sound-level meters with A-weighted slow response at the receiving property line. Impulsive sounds and pure tones may receive a 5 dBA penalty.
Takoma Park FAQ
What are the decibel limits in Takoma Park?
65 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA during nighttime at the receiving property. If ambient noise exceeds these thresholds, the limit adjusts to ambient plus 3 dBA.
Do enforcement officers need a sound meter to issue a citation?
No. A sound level meter measurement is not required. Violations can be established based on the subjective noise disturbance standard covering unpleasant, annoying, or offensive sound.
Compare other topics
See how Gaithersburg and Takoma Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool