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

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

Key Facts

Residential day/night
65 / 55 dBA
Commercial day/night
67 / 62 dBA
Industrial day/night
75 / 75 dBA
Tone/periodic penalty
5 dBA stricter
AC / heat pump cap
70 / 75 dBA residential

Summary

Baltimore County uses Maryland's statewide COMAR 26.02.03 decibel limits, measured at the receiving property line: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime for residential zones, 67/62 dBA commercial, and 75 dBA industrial day and night.

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.

A person may not cause or permit noise levels which exceed 70 dBA for air conditioning equipment at receiving residential property and 75 dBA for heat pump equipment at receiving residential property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The county's own noise code (§ 17-3-103) is a reasonableness standard with no numeric threshold, so the enforceable decibel limits come from Maryland COMAR 26.02.03.02. Limits are set by the receiving (not source) zone: residential 65 dBA daytime / 55 dBA nighttime; commercial 67 / 62 dBA; industrial 75 dBA day and night. Daytime is 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; nighttime is 10 p.m.–7 a.m. Prominent tones and periodic noises face a 5 dBA stricter limit. Air conditioning equipment may not exceed 70 dBA and heat pumps 75 dBA at a residential property.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding COMAR limits is enforced by the Maryland Department of the Environment through abatement orders and penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the residential noise limit in Baltimore County?
Maryland COMAR caps residential-receiving-property noise at 65 dBA during the day (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) and 55 dBA at night (10 p.m.–7 a.m.), measured at the property line.
Is the limit based on where the noise comes from?
No. COMAR limits are based on the zoning of the property receiving the noise, not the property producing it, measured at the receiving property line.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome 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

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

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