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Annapolis, MD Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential limit
65 dBA day / 55 dBA night
Commercial/industrial limit
75 dBA, day and night
Warning required
No: cite on first offense
Enforced by
Police Chief or Planning & Zoning Director

Summary

Annapolis has no generator-specific rule: a running generator is judged under the citywide noise ordinance's decibel table: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime in residential zones under § 11.12.020.

a.Sound levels. The maximum allowable decibel noise levels shall follow the Code of Maryland Regulations 26.02.03.02 (Environmental Noise Standards). The following chart shows sound levels allowed in specific City of Annapolis zoning districts. City Zoning Districts | Maximum decibel level may not exceed: Daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Nighttime hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Residential zoning districts, as identified in Chapter 21.40 | 65 dBA | 55 dBA

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 11.12.020 adopts COMAR 26.02.03.02 as the city's Environmental Noise Standard and layers on its own zone-by-zone decibel chart: residential districts cap out at 65 dBA from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 55 dBA from 10 p.m.-7 a.m.; office/mixed-use zones run 67/62 dBA; commercial and industrial zones allow 75 dBA around the clock. A backyard or construction generator loud enough to break those limits at the property line violates the ordinance the same as any other noise source, there is no separate generator carve-out.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding 65 dBA (day) or 55 dBA (night) in a residential zone violates § 11.12.020; the Enforcement Official can cite immediately, no warning required, with fines escalating for repeat offenses by the same person or property owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a generator overnight in an Annapolis residential neighborhood?
Only if it stays at or below 55 dBA measured off your property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.; above that it violates § 11.12.020 and can be cited without a prior warning.
Does Annapolis have a dedicated generator-noise law?
No: generators are covered by the same citywide decibel-by-zone standard in § 11.12.020 that governs every other noise source, not a rule written for generators specifically.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsSome RestrictionsHVAC & Mechanical NoiseSome RestrictionsBar & Nightclub NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

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