Noise Ordinances in Washington County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Construction Hours
Washington County's Planned Industrial District zoning exempts temporary construction noise from the county's decibel limits only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., under Zoning Ordinance Section 18.97(c)(3). The same 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. window applies in the Office Research Industrial District under Section 21B.5(b)(3)(iii). Outside those hours, construction noise must meet the ordinance's regular industrial sound-level ceilings.
Washington County, MD Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsWashington County Zoning Ordinance § 18.97(c)(3)
(c) The following sources of noise are exempt. 1. Transportation vehicles not under the control of the industrial use. 2. Occasionally-used safety signals, warning devices, and emergency pressure relief valves. 3. Temporary construction activity between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Decibel Limits
Washington County's Zoning Ordinance caps industrial sound at a residential property line to 55 decibels continuous and 60 decibels impact under Section 18.97(b). Commercial lines allow 64/70 decibels and another PI-zoned lot allows 70/80 decibels. The identical table governs the Office Research Industrial District under Section 21B.5(b).
Washington County, MD Industrial Noise Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsWashington County Zoning Ordinance § 18.97(a)-(b)
(a) Noise will be measured with a sound level meter. Impact noise will be measured using the fast response of the sound level meter. Impact noises are intermittent sounds such as from a punch press or drop force hammer. (b) The following table describes the maximum sound pressure level permitted from any industrial source as measured at any property line adjacent to a residential district, comm...
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