Charles County, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Charles County, MD, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Residential daytime limit
- 60 dBA at the property line
- Residential nighttime limit
- 50 dBA at the property line
- Daytime hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- First violation fine
- Up to $500
- Repeat violation fine
- Up to $1,000 per hour
- Farm event exception
- Outdoor amplified music, daylight hours, promotional events only
Summary
Charles County's noise ordinance bars operating a sound amplifier or making noise that exceeds 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at a residential property line, under County Code § 260-3. Violations are civil infractions carrying fines up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each later one.
§ 260-3. Noise exceeding measurable standards. A. It is prohibited for any person located within the County to make any noise or operate any sound amplifier on any property owned or occupied by such person, or to permit any noise to be made or any sound amplifier to be operated on property owned or occupied by such person, at a level that exceeds the sound levels set forth in Table 260-1, when measured at the property line of the receiving land. ... Residential: 60 dBA, daytime; 50 dBA, nighttime.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 260, Noise Control, is the county's general answer to amplified music and sound equipment complaints. Section 260-3A makes it unlawful for anyone to make noise or operate a sound amplifier on property they own or occupy, or to permit one to be operated, at a level exceeding the limits in Table 260-1 as measured at the property line of the receiving land. ); commercial receiving land tops out at 67 dBA daytime and 62 dBA nighttime, and industrial receiving land at 75 dBA around the clock.
The Health Department's Director of Environmental Health, a law enforcement officer, or a person authorized under the Zoning Ordinance can act as enforcement officer under § 260-2. and midnight, and household tools used during daytime hours, but a private party's amplified music or DJ system is squarely covered and must be measured against Table 260-1 at the neighboring property line. 241D allows amplified music and live entertainment outdoors during daylight hours for promotional events only, provided it still complies with Chapter 260, and otherwise must be kept indoors.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 260-3 is a civil infraction subject to a fine of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for each later violation, and every hour a violation continues counts as a separate offense. The Maryland Department of the Environment retains independent authority to enforce the chapter on top of county enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the decibel limit for amplified music near homes in Charles County?
What happens if a neighbor's speakers exceed the noise limit?
Is there a special rule for outdoor music at farm events?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charles County
Compare Charles County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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