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Howard County, MD Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Dedicated leaf-blower rule
None
Daytime exemption
Lawn/snow equipment exempt
Exempt window
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Night limit still applies
55 dBA after 10 p.m.
Governing section
Howard County Code 8.900

Summary

Howard County has no dedicated leaf-blower ordinance. Section 8.900 expressly exempts lawn-care and snow-removal equipment used during daytime hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) when maintained to manufacturer specs. Running that equipment at night can still violate the residential noise 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.

Daytime hours means 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., local time. Nighttime hours means 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., local time.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 91 | Zoning: Supplement 25).

Full Breakdown

Howard County sets no gas-blower ban, decibel cap, or day-of-week limit specific to leaf blowers. Instead, Section 8.900's exemption list excludes 'lawn care and snow removal equipment during daytime hours, when used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications,' along with agricultural field machinery. So leaf blowers, mowers and trimmers are permitted during the day (7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.). The exemption falls away at night: after 10:00 p.m. the equipment is no longer exempt and its noise received on residential property must meet the 55 dBA COMAR nighttime limit. Practically, daytime yard work is unrestricted countywide, while late-night blowing or mowing can be cited.

Violations & Fines

There is no penalty for normal daytime leaf-blower use. Operating lawn equipment during nighttime hours so it exceeds 55 dBA at a home is a Section 8.900 violation: Class E civil offense (first), Class D (subsequent).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leaf blowers banned in Howard County?
No. Section 8.900 exempts lawn-care equipment during daytime hours when maintained to manufacturer specs. There is no gas-blower ban or decibel cap for daytime use.
Can I blow leaves early in the morning or late at night?
The exemption only covers daytime hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.). After 10:00 p.m. lawn equipment must meet the 55 dBA residential limit, so late-night use can be cited.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Howard County

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

How Howard County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Howard County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview

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