§ 31B-5. Noise level and noise disturbance violations.
Latest version.
(a) Maximum allowable noise levels.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in Sections 31B-6(a), 31B-6A, and 31B-8, a person must not cause or permit noise levels that exceed the following levels:
Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA) for Receiving Noise Areas
Daytime
Nighttime
Non-residential noise area
67
62
Residential noise area
65
55
(2) A person must not cause or permit the emission of a prominent discrete tone or impulsive noise that exceeds a level, at the location on a receiving property where noise from the source is greatest, that is 5 dBA lower than the level set in paragraph (1) for the applicable noise area and time.
(3) Sound that crosses between residential and non-residential noise areas must not exceed the levels set in paragraph (1) for residential noise areas.
(b) Noise disturbance. A person must not cause or permit noise that creates a noise disturbance.
(c) Examples. The following examples illustrate common noise-producing acts that violate this section if they exceed the noise level standards set in subsection (a) or create a noise disturbance. The examples are illustrative only and do not limit or expand the noise level or noise disturbance standards of this section:
(1) Sounding a horn or other signaling device on any motor vehicle on private property except:
(A) in an emergency; or
(B) as a danger warning signal during daytime hours if the device complies with noise level limits.
(2) Operating a sound-producing device on public streets for commercial advertising or to attract public attention.
(3) Selling anything by outcry.
(4) Loading, unloading, opening, closing or otherwise handling containers, building materials, construction equipment, or similar objects.
(5) Operating a device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound.
(6) Allowing an animal to create a noise disturbance.
(7) Operating power equipment mounted on a motor vehicle or operating other devices powered by a generator or a motor vehicle. (1996 L.M.C., ch. 32, § 1; , § 1.)
Editor’s note—See County Attorney Opinion dated indicating that long-term parking on public streets is prohibited in certain circumstances, but not based on the size of the vehicle. See County Attorney Opinion dated explaining that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (esp. Metrorail) is subject to the County’s noise control law, although an exemption may be obtained if it is in the public interest.
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