Sec. 31B-6. Noise level and noise disturbance standards for construction.
Montgomery County, Md., Code § 31B-6 (2026)
Sec. 31B-6. Noise level and noise disturbance standards for construction.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Maximum allowable noise levels for construction.
(1)
A person must not cause or permit noise levels from construction activity that exceed the following levels:
(A)
From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays:
(i)
75 dBA if the Department has not approved a noise-suppression plan for the activity; or
(ii)
85 dBA if the Department has approved a noise-suppression plan for the activity.
(B)
The level specified in Section 31B-5 at all other times.
(2)
Construction noise levels must be measured at the location, at least 50 feet from the source, on a receiving property where noise from the source is greatest.
(3)
The Department must by regulation establish requirements for noise-suppression plans and adopt procedures for evaluating and approving plans. The regulations must provide that, at least 10 days before approving a noise-suppression plan, the Director must provide public notice reasonably calculated to reach at least a majority of households that might be affected by the construction activity noise levels above 75 dBA.
(b)
Construction noise disturbance. The prohibition on noise disturbance in Section 31B- 5(b) applies to construction activities, notwithstanding subsection (a).
(c)
Examples. The following examples illustrate common construction 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 construction noise level or noise disturbance standards of this section:
(1)
Delivering materials or equipment, or loading or unloading during nighttime hours in a residential noise area.
(2)
Operating construction equipment with audible back-up warning devices during nighttime hours.