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3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Ocean City, MD
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Maryland law specifies residential limits. On the boardwalk, speakers, radios, and shouting are generally limited to 60-75 decibels, with higher limits (75 dB) for the busier area south of 12th Street and lower (70 dB) for the quieter area north of 12th Street, with enforcement based on a 10-second duration."
AI Executive Summary
Ocean City, MD noise ordinances prohibit loud and disturbing noises that endanger comfort, health, peace, or safety. Disruptive noises audible 50 feet from a building are unlawful between midnight and 7 a.m. Vehicle noise audible at 50 feet is prohibited at all times. Boardwalk amplified sound has decibel limits.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction noise is generally limited to 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. A temporary extension to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. was approved for a specific project due to COVID-19.
Amplified Sound
It is unlawful to make, cause or continue loud and disturbing noises. On the boardwalk, speakers, radios, and shouting are limited to between 60-75 decibels depending on time and location. The current noise ordinance pertaining to the boardwalk previously had a 30-foot audibility restriction, which was subject to legal challenges.
Animals
All dogs must be kept on a leash in the Ocean City area. Pets are permitted on the beach or boardwalk only between October 1st and April 30th. Owners are required to remove any waste deposited by their dogs on public or private property.
Vehicles
No loud noises are to be made that can be heard at a distance of 50 feet from a vehicle at any time. This includes excessive or abrupt acceleration/deceleration, skidding or squealing tires, swerving, unreasonably loud engine noise, and grinding gears.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Ocean City protect residents from noise?
65 dB day / 55 dB night
Standard coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Ocean City, MD?
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Ocean City's quiet hours: Midnight to 7 a.m. (noises audible 50 feet from building). 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 Ocean City?
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Ocean City's residential noise limits: 65 dB(A) (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) dB(A) during the day and 55 dB(A) (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) 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 Ocean City?
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Call the Ocean City police non-emergency line at 410-723-6610. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 410-289-8855 (Building Inspection Department – Housing Code Violations). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Ocean City?
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Ocean City's noise violation penalties: Violations of the noise ordinance can result in fines up to $500 and potentially up to 90 days in jail if the offense is classified as a misdemeanor.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Ocean City?
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Ocean City's rules: All dogs must be kept on a leash in the Ocean City area. Pets are permitted on the beach or boardwalk only between October 1st and April 30th. Owners are required to remove any waste deposited by their dogs on public or private property.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 410-723-6649 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Ocean City?
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Ocean City's construction noise rules: Construction noise is generally limited to 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. A temporary extension to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. was approved for a specific project due to COVID-19.. 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 Ocean City?
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Yes. Ocean City's ordinance: It is unlawful to make, cause or continue loud and disturbing noises. On the boardwalk, speakers, radios, and shouting are limited to between 60-75 decibels depending on time and location. The current noise ordinance pertaining to the boardwalk previously had a 30-foot audibility restriction, which was subject to legal challenges.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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