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Howard County, MD Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Industrial receiving limit
75 dBA day and night
Commercial receiving limit
67 dBA day / 62 night
At a home
65 dBA day / 55 night
Enforced by
Health department (commercial/industrial)
Authority
COMAR 26.02.03.02 Table 1

Summary

Howard County adopts COMAR 26.02.03 for industrial and commercial noise. Noise received on industrial property may not exceed 75 dBA at any hour, and on commercial property 67 dBA daytime or 62 dBA nighttime. When a source is commercial or industrial, the county health department may enforce the limits.

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.

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

View official code

Full Breakdown

Industrial and commercial noise in Howard County is governed by the same COMAR 26.02.03 table adopted through Section 8.900, with limits set by the land use of the receiving property. COMAR 26.02.03.02 Table 1 caps noise at 75 dBA day and night for industrial receiving property, 67 dBA day and 62 dBA night for commercial, and the stricter 65/55 dBA for residential. So a plant's noise crossing into a neighborhood is measured against the 65/55 residential limits, not the 75 industrial figure. Section 8.900 assigns enforcement to the health department when the noise complained of originates from commercial or industrial property, while the Police Department handles other sources. Blasting and pile-driving are confined to 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Violations & Fines

Industrial or commercial noise over the applicable COMAR limit is a Section 8.900 violation. The health department may enforce with civil penalties under Title 24; a first violation is a Class E civil offense and a subsequent one Class D.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a factory be in Howard County?
Noise received on industrial property may reach 75 dBA. But noise crossing into a residential neighborhood must meet the 65 dBA daytime / 55 dBA nighttime residential limit.
Who enforces industrial noise complaints?
When the source is commercial or industrial property, the county health department may enforce Section 8.900 with civil penalties; police handle other sources.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome 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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