Industrial noise in Rockville is regulated under MoCo Code Chapter 31B. Industrial limits are 75 dBA day, 70 dBA night. Equipment running 24 hours must meet the nighttime standard.
Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B establishes noise standards for industrial and commercial properties in Rockville. The maximum permissible sound level at an industrial receiving property is 75 dBA during daytime (7 AM to 9 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 9 PM weekends) and 70 dBA during nighttime. Commercial receiving properties have limits of 67 dBA daytime and 62 dBA nighttime. When industrial noise affects adjacent residential property, the residential receiving limits of 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime apply. HVAC systems, generators, compressors, and other mechanical equipment must be designed and maintained to comply with these limits. The I-270 tech corridor in Rockville includes data centers, office complexes, and light industrial facilities that must meet these standards. Montgomery County DEP conducts noise monitoring and investigations upon complaint. Facilities may be required to install noise barriers, acoustic enclosures, or modify equipment operating hours to achieve compliance. New development projects must demonstrate noise compliance as part of the permitting process.
Violations carry fines of $100 to $500 per occurrence. The DEP may issue compliance orders requiring noise mitigation within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply can result in additional daily fines.
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