Outdoor music in Rockville must stay below 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the nearest residence. Events at Town Square require city coordination and a noise waiver.
Outdoor music in Rockville is subject to Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B noise standards. Any outdoor music, whether from a backyard gathering, restaurant patio, or organized event, must not exceed 65 dBA during daytime or 55 dBA during nighttime at the nearest residential property line. Rockville Town Square hosts numerous outdoor concerts and community events, which are coordinated through the City of Rockville and may receive noise waivers from the Montgomery County DEP for temporarily higher sound levels. Restaurants and bars with outdoor seating that play music must ensure compliance with the 60 dBA limit after 10 PM. The Rockville Civic Center Park and other city parks host seasonal outdoor events with amplified sound. Neighborhood block parties and private outdoor gatherings with music are permitted but must respect the same decibel standards. Complaints about outdoor music are handled by the Montgomery County DEP Noise Control Program. The city encourages residents to communicate with neighbors about planned events to minimize conflicts.
Violations carry fines of $100 to $500. Repeated complaints about a commercial establishment may trigger review of their operating conditions or entertainment license.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle outdoor music.
See how Rockville's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
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