Annapolis, MD Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Annapolis, MD, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Nighttime hours
- 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Residential night limit
- 55 dBA
- Residential day limit
- 65 dBA
- Commercial/industrial
- 75 dBA, day or night
- Enforcement
- Municipal infraction fine
Summary
Annapolis cuts the legal decibel ceiling at 10 p.m. every night, dropping residential noise limits from 65 dBA to 55 dBA until 7 a.m.
In addition to state standards, the City of Annapolis noise standards shall include:a.Sound levels. The maximum allowable decibel noise levels shall follow the Code of Maryland Regulations 26.02.03.02 (Environmental Noise Standards). The following chart shows sound levels allowed in specific City of Annapolis zoning districts.... Daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nighttime hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Residential zoning districts, as identified in Chapter 21.40 65 dBA 55 dBA
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis City Code § 11.12.020(B)(2)(a) sets a two-tier decibel table by zoning district and time of day. In residential zones the daytime ceiling (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) is 65 dBA; from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. it drops to 55 dBA. Office/mixed-use zones run 67/62 dBA, and commercial/industrial zones stay flat at 75 dBA around the clock. The section separately adopts COMAR 26.02.03.01-.02 as the City's baseline noise standard and applies the same day/night split to boat noise measured from land. Violations are municipal infractions fined under § 11.12.120 and the City's annual Fines Schedule.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction; fined per Annapolis Code § 11.12.120 and the annual Fines Schedule in the Code appendices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit in Annapolis residential areas?
Does the Annapolis nighttime limit apply to boats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
How Annapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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