Montgomery County requires licensed short-term rental operators to ensure guests comply with Chapter 31B noise regulations under the STR licensing program in Chapter 54. Operators are responsible for guest conduct and noise complaints can jeopardize the STR license.
Montgomery County Code Chapter 54 requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a license and comply with conditions including noise management. Licensed hosts must provide guests with written house rules addressing noise, including quiet hours and compliance with Chapter 31B. The county holds the licensed operator responsible for guest conduct, meaning repeated noise complaints from neighbors can result in license suspension or revocation. This is a significant enforcement tool because losing the STR license means the operator cannot legally rent the property. Montgomery County Police respond to STR noise complaints the same as any residential disturbance. The county maintains a complaint tracking system linked to STR licenses. The 120-day annual rental cap limits the total number of nights a property can operate, which inherently reduces cumulative noise impacts. Communities in Bethesda, Potomac, and Silver Spring with dense single-family housing have been particularly active in reporting STR noise violations.
Noise complaints linked to STR: warning letter to license holder, then license suspension for 30 days. Third violation may result in permanent license revocation. Standard Chapter 31B fines also apply.
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