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Step 1 of 3Gaithersburg, MD
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Montgomery County's noise control law establishes a 55 dBA limit at the residential receiving property line during quiet hours. For amplified sound, 55 dBA is the limit at the receiving property line in a residential zone. A 'noise disturbance' is unlawful at any time."
AI Executive Summary
Gaithersburg, MD, adheres to the Montgomery County Noise Control Law (Chapter 31B). This ordinance prohibits noise disturbances, with quiet hours generally from 9 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 9 PM to 9 AM on weekends/holidays, during which noise cannot exceed 55 dBA at residential property lines. Construction noise is capped at 75 dBA.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction noise must not exceed 75 dBA. Higher decibel levels may be permitted under an approved Noise Suppression Plan.
Amplified Sound
Operating a radio, television, or other electronic sound-producing device is unlawful if the sound exceeds 55 dBA at the receiving property line in a residential noise zone.
Animals
Allowing an animal to create a noise disturbance is illegal. For nuisance complaints such as barking dogs, call 301-279-8000 and press 2.
Vehicles
Noises associated with motorized vehicles on public roadways are regulated under the State Motor Vehicle Code by the Police, and are not subject to enforcement under the Montgomery County Noise Control Law.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Gaithersburg protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Gaithersburg, MD?
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Gaithersburg's quiet hours: 9 PM to 7 AM (weekdays), 9 PM to 9 AM (weekends and holidays). During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in Gaithersburg?
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Gaithersburg's residential noise limits: Not specified (general noise disturbance prohibited) dB(A) during the day and 55 dBA at receiving property line dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Gaithersburg?
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Call the Gaithersburg police non-emergency line at Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000; Gaithersburg Police Department: 301-258-6400. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at Planning & Code Administration: 301-258-6330; Neighborhood Services Division: 301-258-6340. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Gaithersburg?
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Gaithersburg's noise violation penalties: Violators of the Noise Control Law are subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for the first offense, and $750 for subsequent offenses. Criminal sanctions are also possible. Construction operations may be subject to a 'stop work' order.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Gaithersburg?
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Gaithersburg's rules: Allowing an animal to create a noise disturbance is illegal. For nuisance complaints such as barking dogs, call 301-279-8000 and press 2.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at City of Gaithersburg Animal Control: 301-258-6343; For barking dogs/nuisance complaints: 301-279-8000 (press 2) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Gaithersburg?
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Gaithersburg's construction noise rules: Construction noise must not exceed 75 dBA. Higher decibel levels may be permitted under an approved Noise Suppression Plan.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Gaithersburg?
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Yes. Gaithersburg's ordinance: Operating a radio, television, or other electronic sound-producing device is unlawful if the sound exceeds 55 dBA at the receiving property line in a residential noise zone.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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