Prince George's County, MD Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential limit
- 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night
- Commercial limit
- 67 dBA day / 62 dBA night
- Industrial limit
- 75 dBA day and night
- Cross-zone rule
- Residential ceiling applies at the property line
- Tonal/impulsive noise
- 5 dBA stricter under § 19-122(a)(2)
- Low-frequency measure
- dBC allowed for 20-200 Hz sound
Summary
Prince George's County caps ambient sound at fixed decibel levels that vary by zone and time of day, 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime for residential, 67/62 dBA commercial, and 75 dBA industrial around the clock, and applies the stricter residential number whenever sound crosses into a residential area under County Code § 19-122(a).
(a)Maximum allowable noise levels.(1)Except as otherwise provided in Section 19-122.01, a person must not cause or permit noise levels that exceed the following levels: Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA) for Receiving Land Use Categories: Day/Night, Industrial, Commercial, Residential. Day 75 67 65. Night 75 62 55....(5)Sound that crosses between residential and non-residential areas must not exceed the level set in paragraph (1) for residential noise areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2026 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
under § 19-121(3), (9). Under § 19-122(a)(5), 'Sound that crosses between residential and non-residential areas must not exceed the level set in paragraph (1) for residential noise areas,' so a commercial or industrial source next to a residential lot has to meet the tighter residential ceiling measured at the residential property line. Two related standards tighten the numbers further: § 19-122(a)(2) drops the ceiling another 5 dBA for a 'prominent discrete tone or impulsive noise' such as weapons fire, pile drivers, or punch presses, and § 19-122(a)(6) lets the Department measure low-frequency sound, 20 to 200 Hz, in dBC instead of dBA when it is the source of a complaint.
without an approved noise-suppression plan, or up to 85 dBA with one, with the standard § 19-122(a) levels applying at all other hours. Readings must be taken at the location on the receiving property where the source's noise is loudest, using Department-approved equipment adopted under § 19-126.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the dBA table is a misdemeanor on first conviction, up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail, and up to $1,500 for each later violation, with every day counted separately (§ 19-124(a)). The Director, Police Chief, or an enforcement officer can issue a civil citation for the same dollar amounts instead of pursuing criminal charges (§ 19-124(b)), and the Administrative Court reviews contested citations (§ 19-124(c)). More than two citations against one address within a year lets the County notify and then cite the owner or landlord directly (§ 19-125).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the residential noise limit in Prince George's County?
Does a business next to my house have to meet the residential limit?
Are impulsive noises like construction pile drivers held to a different standard?
How does the County measure a bass-heavy or low-frequency complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
Compare Prince George's County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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