Baltimore County, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Section 449.2 of the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations lets a business present live musical entertainment as an accessory use in the B.L., B.L.R., C.B., B.M., B.R., B.M.M., B.M.B., B.M.Y.C., M.H., and M.L. Zones, but only with a permit. The owner of the property, or a lessor the owner authorizes in writing, applies to the Director of the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections. The Director can approve the application administratively and issue a one-year permit, and can attach reasonable conditions to protect patrons and the public.

The definition covers more than bands. It reaches solo performers, music played on sound equipment by a DJ, karaoke, and instruments with electric or electronic enhancement. It applies to a venue that takes in more than 50 percent of its gross revenue before 9:00 p.m. over the previous 30 days. Section 449.2.B.2 requires the permit no matter how often music is played, so a single night a year still needs one. Permit holders must hand over accounting records within 15 calendar days of a request from the department. In B.M.Y.C. Zones, a special permit is needed for any day of outdoor music. Events in the public right-of-way need a temporary use permit for each event or recurring series.

The noise standard sits in subsection E: every permit holder must make sure the music complies with the applicable noise levels set forth in COMAR. The county does not print its own decibel figure in this section. Live music in C.B. and B.L.R. Zones is not treated as a nightclub use, and B.M. Zone setback conditions do not apply, when the music is accessory and the venue meets the 50 percent before 9:00 p.m. test.

The permit is tied to the person or business that holds it. It cannot be transferred, conveyed, or sold. Renewal is annual, dated from the month of initial approval. Renewal can be administrative if nothing material has changed, and a material change sends the renewal back through the Section 449.2 approval process. A fee schedule can be set under § 3-1-202 of the County Code. Properties that already had live music permitted by right or by a prior Zoning Commissioner or Office of Administrative Hearings decision were carved out when the law took effect, as were seasonal outdoor community events held under a gathering permit.