Baltimore County, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Baltimore 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
- County rule
- Domestic noise, § 17-3-103
- Daytime dB limit
- 65 dBA residential
- Nighttime dB limit
- 55 dBA residential
- Tone/bass penalty
- 5 dBA stricter
- Max penalty
- $500 civil
Summary
Loud amplified music from a home or party is banned as domestic noise under Baltimore County Code § 17-3-103 when it 'unreasonably disturbs' neighbors. Maryland COMAR also caps residential noise at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the property line.
A person may not cause or permit the emission of prominent discrete tones and periodic noises which exceed a level which is 5 dBA lower than the applicable level listed in Table 1.
Full Breakdown
Amplified music at a residence is treated as domestic noise under Baltimore County Code § 17-3-103, which bans noise that unreasonably disturbs neighboring inhabitants. Police can respond and issue a civil citation. For sustained amplified sound, Maryland COMAR 26.02.03 limits residential-property noise to 65 dBA daytime (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) and 55 dBA nighttime. COMAR also imposes a 5 dBA stricter limit on 'prominent discrete tones and periodic noises,' which can capture bass-heavy or repetitive music.
Violations & Fines
Police may issue a civil citation under § 17-3-103, penalty up to $500. COMAR violations draw Maryland Department of the Environment enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police shut down a loud party in Baltimore County?
Does bass-heavy music face a stricter limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
Compare Baltimore County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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