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

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

Amplified music rules in Howard 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

Daytime residential limit
65 dBA
Nighttime residential limit
55 dBA
Amplified event sound
Not exempt
Authority
COMAR 26.02.03.02 / Sec. 8.900
Enforcement
Police, civil penalty

Summary

Howard County has no separate amplified-sound permit, so loud music is judged against Section 8.900 and the COMAR 26.02.03 table. Amplified music received on residential property may not exceed 65 dBA daytime or 55 dBA at night, and electronically amplified event sound is not exempt.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person may not cause or permit noise levels which exceed those specified in this table except as provided in §B(2) or (3), or §C, of this regulation.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Amplified music from stereos, speakers, bands or parties is controlled through Section 8.900, which caps noise received on residential property at the COMAR 26.02.03 environmental-noise levels. COMAR 26.02.03.02B states 'A person may not cause or permit noise levels which exceed those specified in this table,' setting residential limits of 65 dBA (day) and 55 dBA (night). Notably, the ordinance's exemption for sporting, amusement and entertainment events covers only 'sound not electronically amplified' operating under county-imposed terms, so a live band or DJ using amplification enjoys no automatic exemption and must stay under the dBA limits at neighboring homes. There is no theme-park or late-hour amplified carve-out in the county code.

Violations & Fines

Amplified music over the residential limits is a Section 8.900 violation: a first offense is a Class E civil offense and a subsequent offense a Class D civil offense, enforced by the Police Department with civil penalties under Title 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play loud amplified music at my house?
Only if it stays under the COMAR limits at a neighbor's home: 65 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night. Exceeding those under Section 8.900 is a civil offense.
Is amplified music at events exempt?
No. The Section 8.900 exemption covers only sound that is not electronically amplified. Amplified bands and DJs must still meet the residential dBA limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Howard County rules

Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview

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