10 rules for unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Prince George's County sets countywide nighttime noise limits under the Subtitle 19 Noise Control ordinance. Nighttime runs 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., when residential areas drop to a 55 dBA cap versus 65 dBA during the day.
Prince George's County Code § 19-121(3), (9)
Daytime means the hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. … Nighttime means the hours from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Prince George's County allows louder construction noise only during daytime work hours. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. construction may reach 75 dBA, or 85 dBA with an approved noise-suppression plan; at all other times the standard residential limits apply.
Prince George's County Code § 19-122.01(a)(1)
A person must not cause or permit noise levels from construction activity that exceed the following levels: (A) From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.: (i) 75 dBA if the Department has not approved a noise-suppression plan … or (ii) 85 dBA if the Department has approved a noise-suppression plan …
Prince George's County treats a barking or noisy animal as a potential noise disturbance under the Subtitle 19 Noise Control ordinance. Allowing an animal to create a noise disturbance is listed as an example of a prohibited noise-producing act.
Prince George's County Code § 19-122(c)(6)
The following examples illustrate common noise-producing acts that violate this section … (6) Allowing an animal to create a noise disturbance.
Prince George's County does not ban leaf blowers or set a special decibel cap for them. Lawn-care equipment is exempt from the objective noise limits when used during daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and maintained per manufacturer specifications.
Prince George's County Code § 19-123(b)(2)
The provisions of this regulation do not apply to the following: … (2) Lawn care and snow removal equipment (daytime only) when used between the hours of 7:00 am to 9:00 p.m. and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Prince George's County regulates amplified sound under its Subtitle 19 Noise Control ordinance. Operating a device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound is an example of a prohibited act if it exceeds the decibel limits or creates a noise disturbance.
Prince George's County Code § 19-122(c)(5)
The following examples illustrate common noise-producing acts that violate this section … (5) Operating a device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound.
Prince George's County does not regulate aircraft noise. The county ordinance exempts aircraft and airport operations, and aviation noise near Joint Base Andrews is governed by federal and military authorities, not local law.
Prince George's County Code § 19-123(b)(6)
The provisions of this regulation do not apply to the following: … (6) Aircraft and related airport operations at airports licensed by the Maryland Aviation Administration.
Prince George's County caps noise from industrial-zoned property at 75 dBA both day and night at the receiving property. Sound crossing from an industrial area into a residential area must meet the lower residential limit.
Prince George's County Code § 19-122(a)(5)
Sound that crosses between residential and non-residential areas must not exceed the level set in paragraph (1) for residential noise areas.
Prince George's County sets numeric dBA noise limits by land-use category and time of day. Residential areas are capped at 65 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night, measured at the receiving property.
Prince George's County Code § 19-122(a)(1)
a person must not cause or permit noise levels that exceed the following levels: … Industrial 75 [day] 75 [night]; Commercial 67 [day] 62 [night]; Residential 65 [day] 55 [night].
Prince George's County exempts non-amplified sound from permitted sporting, entertainment, and public gatherings between 7 a.m. and midnight. Electronically amplified outdoor music is not exempt and must meet the full decibel limits.
Prince George's County Code § 19-123(b)(10)
Sound, except those sounds that are electronically amplified, between 7 a.m. and midnight, created by: (A) Sporting events …; (B) Entertainment events; and (C) Other public gatherings operating under permit or permission of the appropriate local jurisdiction.
Motor vehicles on public roads are exempt from Prince George's County's noise ordinance because that noise is governed by state law. The county does regulate off-road recreational vehicles and vehicle horns on private property.
Prince George's County Code § 19-122(a)(4)
A person may not operate or permit to be operated an off-road internal combustion engine powered recreational vehicle, including … a dirt bike, an all-terrain vehicle, a go cart, a snowmobile … on private property closer than 300 feet to a neighboring residence … without the written permission of the affected resident …
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