# Subtitle 1 – Definitions; General Provisions

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 9-101 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code § 9-101 (2026)

(a) In this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Impulse sound” means a short burst of acoustical energy such as that produced by weapons fire, a punch press, or a drop hammer.  A pressure time history of a single impulse includes a rapid rise to a maximum peak pressure followed by a somewhat slower decay, both occurring within 1 second.

(c) “Motor vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 11-135 of the State Transportation Article {“Maryland Vehicle Law”}.

(d) “Noise” means any steady-state or impulse sound that occurs on either a continuous or intermittent basis.

(e) “Peak pressure” is the sound level in decibels of an impulse sound measured with sound instrumentation that uses the flat response or linear scale.

(f) “Steady-state sound” means a periodic or random variation, with a duration of more than 1 second, in atmospheric pressure at audible frequencies.

*History: Ord. 99-548*

## § 9-102 Construction of title.

Balt., Md., Code § 9-102 (2026)

(a) This title is to be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

(b) This title is not to be construed to permit anything that is prohibited by any other federal, state, or local law or regulation.

*History: Ord. 99-548*

## § 9-103 Exemptions.

Balt., Md., Code § 9-103 (2026)

(a) This title does not apply to any of the following:

  (1) motor vehicles, aircraft, or other equipment used in an emergency by any government agency or by any public service company, as defined in State Code <cite data-path="|78">Article 78</cite>; or

  (2) warning devices necessary for public safety, such as train horns and police, fire, and ambulance sirens.

(b) This title does not apply to the following, except as specifically stated in this title or where standards are set by the rules or regulations adopted by the Commissioner under <cite data-path="|health|§2-106">§ 2-106 {“Rules and regulations”} of this article</cite> :

  (1) motor vehicles; or

  (2) the construction, repair, or demolition of a structure or street.

*History: Ord. 99-548*

*History: Text Conformed 03/10/21*

## § 9-104 Rules and regulations.

Balt., Md., Code § 9-104 (2026)

(a) The rules and regulations that the Commissioner adopts under <cite data-path="|health|§2-106">§ 2-106 {“Rules and regulations”} of this article</cite> may include provisions that set:

  (1) standards and procedures for measuring noise;

  (2) noise standards for motor vehicle operation;

  (3) noise standards for the construction, repair, or demolition of structures or streets;

  (4) standards, limitations, and procedures for obtaining a temporary exemption authorized by Subtitle 2 {“Basic Sound Level Standards”} or Subtitle 3 {“Entertainment and Commercial Noise”} of this title; and

  (5) other noise standards that the Commissioner considers necessary and appropriate for the protection of the public.

(b)

  (1) Before adopting any rules or regulations under this section, the Commissioner must hold a public hearing at which all interested persons are given an opportunity to testify on any proposed standard and to submit alternative proposals for the Commissioner’s consideration.

  (2) Notice of the hearing must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Baltimore City, at least once a week for the 2 successive weeks immediately before the hearing.

*History: Ord. 99-548*

*History: Text Conformed 03/10/21*