Industrial and commercial noise in Takoma Park must meet the same residential decibel limits as all other sources: 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the receiving property. Takoma Park is primarily residential with limited commercial zones along major corridors. Montgomery County Code 31B also provides concurrent enforcement authority.
Takoma Park's noise ordinance (Chapter 14.12) applies the same decibel limits to industrial and commercial noise sources as to all other noise: 65 dBA during daytime (7 AM to 8 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 10 PM weekends/holidays) and 55 dBA during nighttime (8 PM to 7 AM weekdays, 10 PM to 9 AM weekends/holidays). The city is predominantly residential, with commercial activity concentrated along New Hampshire Avenue, University Boulevard, and the Takoma/Langley Crossroads area. Industrial uses are extremely limited. Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B provides additional noise control standards and concurrent enforcement authority through the county Department of Environmental Protection. HVAC equipment, generators, compressors, and other mechanical equipment at commercial properties must not exceed the residential receiving property limits. If ambient noise already exceeds the standard, the limit adjusts to ambient plus 3 dBA. The noise disturbance standard also applies: any sound that is unpleasant, annoying, or detrimental to health and comfort can be cited without a decibel meter reading. Two written complaints within 10 days trigger enforcement action. The Noise Control Board hears contested cases.
First offense: fine up to $200. Repeat offense within one year: fine up to $400. County DEP may also pursue enforcement under MoCo Code 31B.
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Takoma Park, MD
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Takoma Park, MD
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Takoma Park, MD
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Takoma Park, MD
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