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Step 1 of 3Rockville, MD
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Limits apply at the receiving property line. If ambient noise exceeds the maximum allowable level, the standard is adjusted to ambient + 3 dBA."
AI Executive Summary
Rockville, MD, noise ordinances are primarily governed by Montgomery County's Chapter 31B and supplemented by Chapter 7 of the City Code. They establish specific decibel limits for residential and commercial areas during the day and night, alongside restrictions on construction, amplified sound, and other noise disturbances, enforced by the Department of Environmental Management and police.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Permitted 7 AM - 7 PM weekdays and 9 AM - 5 PM weekends. Noise levels must not exceed 75 dBA, or 85 dBA if a noise-suppression plan is approved.
Amplified Sound
From bars or restaurants, must not exceed 60 dBA between 10 PM - 7 AM. Operating radios, televisions, or other electronic sound-producing devices exceeding 55 dBA at the residential receiving property line is illegal during quiet hours.
Animals
It is unlawful to allow an animal to create a noise disturbance, such as a barking dog.
Vehicles
Noises from motorized vehicles on public roadways are regulated under the State Motor Vehicle Code by the Police, not the Montgomery County Noise Control Law. Maryland and federal regulations establish a maximum sound limit of 80 decibels for vehicles.
Leaf Blowers
Must not exceed an average sound level of 70 dBA at 50 feet. After July 1, 2024, gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums may not be sold in Montgomery County, and after July 1, 2025, they may not be used.
Loading/Unloading
Unlawful during 'quiet hours' if sound exceeds 55 decibels (Montgomery County).
Noise Protection Score
How well does Rockville protect residents from noise?
65 dB day / 55 dB night
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
6 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Rockville, MD?
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Rockville's quiet hours: Weekdays: 9 PM - 7 AM; Weekends and Holidays: 9 PM - 9 AM (general Montgomery County). Amplified sound from bars/restaurants: 10 PM - 7 AM (Rockville City).. 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 Rockville?
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Rockville's residential noise limits: 65 dBA dB(A) during the day and 55 dBA dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow 75 dBA. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Rockville?
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Call the Rockville police non-emergency line at 240-314-8900 (Rockville City); 301-279-8000 (Montgomery County for after-hours noise complaints). For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 240-314-8330 (Rockville City Community Enhancement and Code Enforcement Division). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Rockville?
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Rockville's noise violation penalties: For Rockville City Code violations, a first offense may result in a warning, while subsequent offenses can lead to fines ranging from $100 to $500. Repeat offenders may also face business license suspension. Under the Montgomery County Noise Control Law (Chapter 31B), violators are subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for the first offense and $750 for repeat offenders, or criminal sanctions. Construction operations may also be subject to a 'stop work' order. For gas-powered leaf blower violations, the civil fine is $500 for the first offense and $750 for subsequent offenses.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Rockville?
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Rockville's rules: It is unlawful to allow an animal to create a noise disturbance, such as a barking dog.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 240-314-8937 (Rockville City Animal Control) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Rockville?
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Rockville's construction noise rules: Permitted 7 AM - 7 PM weekdays and 9 AM - 5 PM weekends. Noise levels must not exceed 75 dBA, or 85 dBA if a noise-suppression plan is approved.. 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 Rockville?
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Yes. Rockville's ordinance: From bars or restaurants, must not exceed 60 dBA between 10 PM - 7 AM. Operating radios, televisions, or other electronic sound-producing devices exceeding 55 dBA at the residential receiving property line is illegal during quiet hours.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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