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Harford County, MD Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing rule
Harford County Code § 193-8
Quiet hours
11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
License risk
Revocation for repeat noise
Local contact
Bel Air caretaker required

Summary

Short-term rental guests follow the same rule as residents: Harford County Code § 193-8 bars noise audible more than 50 feet onto residential property between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Repeat complaints threaten a host's local license.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Harford County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person shall not make or cause to be made between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. any noise produced vocally, with any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, any device intended for the production or reproduction of sound, or any household tool or other household equipment, if the noise is audible on any property that is used for residential purposes and is located more than 50 feet from the source of the noise.

Source: Maryland CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4988582; v46 updated 2026-06-09; through 06-09-2026).

Full Breakdown

Harford County writes no rental-specific noise rule, so guests answer to Harford County Code § 193-8 and the COMAR 26.02.03.02 property-line limits like any resident. From 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., guest noise cannot be audible more than 50 feet onto neighboring residential property. Bel Air and Havre de Grace fold noise conditions into their short-term rental licenses, so a host with repeated complaints can lose the license, not just pay a fine. Bel Air requires an owner or caretaker inside Harford County who can respond. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police handle the disturbance itself.

Violations & Fines

Guest noise audible on residential property after 11 p.m. draws a civil fine under § 193-8; repeat complaints can cost a Bel Air or Havre de Grace license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there special noise rules for rentals?
No separate rule. Guests follow Harford County Code § 193-8 and COMAR limits. Bel Air and Havre de Grace add license conditions on top.
Can a noisy rental lose its license?
Yes. In Bel Air and Havre de Grace, repeated noise complaints let the town suspend or revoke the short-term rental license, beyond any civil fine.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harford County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Harford County rules

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