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Baltimore County, MD Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

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

Construction hours in Baltimore County, MD, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.

Key Facts

County construction hours
None set countywide
Daytime dB limit (state)
65 dBA residential
Daytime hours
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nighttime dB limit
55 dBA residential
Governing rule
COMAR 26.02.03.02

Summary

Baltimore County's Title 3 noise code sets no specific countywide construction-hour window. Construction noise is instead governed by Maryland's COMAR daytime dB limits (65 dBA residential, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.), with a stricter 55 dBA cap overnight. Check your municipality for tighter local hours.

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

Table 1 Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA): Residential Day 65, Night 55; Commercial Day 67, Night 62; Industrial Day 75, Night 75.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Baltimore County Code Title 3 (Noise) addresses 'domestic noise' from human activity and does not fix a specific construction start/stop time countywide. Construction equipment noise is measured under Maryland COMAR 26.02.03: at a residential receiving property the limit is 65 dBA daytime (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) and 55 dBA nighttime (10 p.m.–7 a.m.). Because construction is loud, work generally must be confined to daytime hours to stay under the nighttime cap. Incorporated municipalities within the county may adopt tighter hours, so verify local rules before starting early or late.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding COMAR dB limits can draw Maryland Department of the Environment enforcement; county domestic-noise violations carry civil penalties up to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours can contractors work in Baltimore County?
The county sets no specific construction window, but Maryland's 55 dBA nighttime cap (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) effectively limits loud work to daytime, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Some municipalities set tighter local hours.
Can construction happen on Sunday?
County code does not prohibit Sunday construction, but the same COMAR dB limits apply every day. Local municipal ordinances may restrict weekend or early-morning hours.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Baltimore County rules

How Baltimore County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Baltimore County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview

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