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Frederick, MD Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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
AC unit exception: 70 dBA at residential property
Heat pump exception: 75 dBA at residential property
Meter standard: ANSI S1.4-1971 Type II

Summary

Table 1 of City Code § 15-21.2(a) sets maximum ambient noise levels by receiving zoning district: 75 dBA day and night in industrial zones, 67 dBA day/62 dBA night in commercial zones, and 65 dBA day/55 dBA night in residential zones, measured at the property line with state-referenced equipment.

(a)Except as provided for herein, no person shall create or permit noise levels that exceed those specified in Table l; such noise levels are the maximum levels permitted by state law. Table 1. Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA) for Receiving Zoning Districts Day/Night Industrial Commercial Residential Day 75 67 65 Night 75 62 55

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Management Code: Supplement 13 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).

Full Breakdown

' Table 1 breaks limits down by receiving zoning district and time of day: industrial zones stay at 75 dBA both day and night; commercial zones allow 67 dBA in the day and 62 dBA at night; and residential zones allow 65 dBA in the day and 55 dBA at night. 1(j): 'Commercial' covers zones BO, B1, B3, DBO, and DB; 'Industrial' covers M1, M2, and MO; and 'Residential' covers R-0 through R-7, DR, and DR-B. 5. 3(b)(13): AC equipment is capped at 70 dBA and heat pump equipment at 75 dBA measured at the receiving residential property, both higher than the general 65/55 dBA residential ceiling in Table 1. 6(a).

Violations & Fines

A first violation of the Table 1 limits is a $100 municipal infraction, a second within 12 months is $500, and a third or subsequent violation within 12 months is $1,000, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense (§ 15-21.7(a)-(b)). The Maryland Department of the Environment retains independent authority to enforce the same limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum noise level allowed in a Frederick residential zone?

65 dBA during daytime hours, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 55 dBA at night, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured at the receiving property line, per Table 1 of § 15-21.2(a).

Are industrial zones allowed louder noise levels in Frederick?

Yes. Table 1 sets industrial zones at 75 dBA both day and night, higher than the 67/62 dBA allowed in commercial zones and the 65/55 dBA allowed in residential zones, per § 15-21.2(a).

What equipment does Frederick use to measure noise violations?

Code enforcement uses sound level meters meeting American National Standards Institute S1.4-1971 Type II specifications, per § 15-21.5(c), with readings taken at the property line of the receiving property or a zoning district boundary.

Are home air conditioners exempt from Frederick's decibel limits?

Only partially. Section 15-21.3(b)(13) sets a separate cap of 70 dBA for air conditioning equipment and 75 dBA for heat pump equipment at the receiving residential property, both higher than the general 65 dBA day/55 dBA night residential limit in Table 1.

Sources & Official References

[1]Frederick, MD Code of Ordinances § 15-21.2(a), Table 1 (Noise prohibitions)

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