Environment (GEN) — Title 3. Noise Control
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-101 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 3–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Environmental noise standard” means a goal for the limitation of noise, from all sources, that exists in a defined area under specified conditions.
(c)
(1)
“Noise” means the intensity, frequency, duration, and character of sound.
(2)
“Noise” includes sound and vibration of subaudible frequencies.
(d)
“Political subdivision” means a county or municipal corporation of this State.
(e)
“Sound level limit” means the maximum allowable noise emission from a noise source in a defined area under specified conditions.
(f)
“Source” means any person or property from which sound originates.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-102 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 3–102LinkCopy Citation
The General Assembly finds:
(1)
That the people of this State have a right to an environment that is free from any noise that:
(i)
May jeopardize their health, general welfare, or property; or
(ii)
Degrades the quality of their lives; and
(2)
That there is a substantial body of knowledge about the adverse effects of excessive noise on the public health, the general welfare, and property, and that this knowledge should be used to develop environmental noise standards that will protect the public health, the general welfare, and property with an adequate margin of safety.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-103 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 3–103LinkCopy Citation
Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department shall revise the State’s environmental noise standards and sound level limits as necessary or appropriate.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-104 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 3–104LinkCopy Citation
The Department may obtain any federal or other funds that are available to this State for purposes that are within the scope of this title.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-105 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 3–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in this section, this title does not limit the power of a political subdivision to adopt noise control ordinances, rules, or regulations.
(2)
A political subdivision may not adopt any noise control ordinance, rule, or regulation that is less stringent than the environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title.
(3)
(i)
A political subdivision may not adopt any noise control ordinance, rule, or regulation, including the environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title, that prohibits trapshooting, skeetshooting, or other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. by a shooting sports club that is chartered and in operation as of January 1, 2001.
(ii)
This paragraph does not apply in Baltimore City or Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties.
(4)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Garrett County, Washington County, or a political subdivision of Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Garrett County, or Washington County may not adopt any noise control ordinance, rule, or regulation, including the environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title, that prohibits trapshooting, skeetshooting, or other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. by a shooting sports club that is chartered and in operation as of January 1, 2005.
(ii)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Garrett County, Washington County, or a political subdivision of Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Garrett County, or Washington County may adopt any noise control ordinance, rule, or regulation, including the environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title, that prohibits trapshooting, skeetshooting, or other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. by a shooting sports club that the responsible political subdivision determines is not in compliance as of January 1, 2005 with environmental noise standards, sound level limits, or noise control rules or regulations adopted under this title.
(2)
A noise control ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph shall allow trapshooting, skeetshooting, and other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. by a shooting sports club that the responsible political subdivision determines has become compliant with environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title.
(5)
Carroll County or a political subdivision of Carroll County may not enforce any noise control ordinance, rule, or regulation, including the environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title, against a public school in Carroll County that violates the ordinance, rule, or regulation between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
(b)
Each political subdivision is encouraged to consider:
(1)
Compliance with State or local noise standards before acting on any proposed variance requests or changes in zoning classifications; and
(2)
Whether the permit or activity will be in compliance with local and State noise control standards, prior to the issuance of a building, activity permit, or similar authorizing document.
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-401 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department shall adopt environmental noise standards, sound level limits, and noise control rules and regulations as necessary to protect the public health, the general welfare, and property.
(b)
In adopting environmental noise standards, the Department or a political subdivision that chooses to adopt environmental noise standards shall consider:
(1)
Information published by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency on the levels of environmental noise that must be attained and maintained in defined areas under various conditions to protect public health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety; and
(2)
Scientific information about the volume, frequency, duration, and other characteristics of noise that may harm public health, safety, or general welfare, including:
(i)
Temporary or permanent hearing loss;
(ii)
Interference with sleep, speech communication, work, or other human activities;
(iii)
Adverse physiological responses;
(iv)
Psychological distress;
(v)
Harm to animal life;
(vi)
Devaluation of or damage to property; and
(vii)
Unreasonable interference with the enjoyment of life or property.
(c)
(1)
In adopting sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations, the Department or the political subdivision shall consider, among other things:
(i)
The residential, commercial, or industrial nature of the area affected;
(ii)
Zoning;
(iii)
The nature and source of various kinds of noise;
(iv)
The degree of noise reduction that may be attained and maintained using the best available technology;
(v)
Accepted scientific and professional methods for measurement of sound levels; and
(vi)
The cost of compliance with the sound level limits.
(2)
The sound level limits adopted under this subsection shall be consistent with the environmental noise standards adopted by the Department.
(3)
The sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this subsection may not prohibit trapshooting or other target shooting on any range or other property in Frederick County that the Frederick County Department of Planning and Zoning has approved as a place for those sporting events.
(4)
The sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this subsection shall be as follows for residential heat pumps and air conditioning units:
(i)
Residential heat pumps 75 dba; and
(ii)
Residential air conditioning units 70 dba.
(5)
(i)
The sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this subsection may not prohibit trapshooting, skeetshooting, or other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on any range or other property of a shooting sports club that is chartered and in operation as of January 1, 2001.
(ii)
This paragraph does not apply in Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Charles County, Garrett County, Howard County, Montgomery County, St. Mary’s County, and Washington County.
(6)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department may not adopt sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations under this subsection that prohibit trapshooting, skeetshooting, or other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. in Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Garrett County, or Washington County on any range or other property of a shooting sports club that is chartered and in operation as of January 1, 2005.
(ii)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the Department may adopt sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations under this subsection that prohibit trapshooting, skeetshooting, or other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. in Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Garrett County, or Washington County on any range or other property of a shooting club that the Department determines is not in compliance as of January 1, 2005 with environmental noise standards, sound level limits, or noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title.
(2)
A sound level limit or noise control rule or regulation adopted under this subsection shall allow trapshooting, skeetshooting, and other target shooting between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. by a shooting sports club that the Department determines has become compliant with sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title.
(7)
(i)
In this paragraph, “main stage” means the primary and usual performance space used by artists or other persons at an outdoor concert venue with a fixed–seat capacity for 4,000 or more individuals.
(ii)
Except as provided in subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, in Howard County, the sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this subsection may not prohibit the electronic amplification of sound at an outdoor concert venue with a capacity of over 15,000 individuals that:
(1)
Within the area that is included in a 0.25 mile radius of the main stage of the venue, produces sound that, at a residential property line, is:
(A)
85 dba or lower between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; and
(B)
55 dba or lower between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.;
(2)
Within the area that is between a 0.25 mile radius and a 0.75 mile radius of the main stage of the venue, produces sound that, at a residential property line, is:
(B)
55 dba or lower between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.; and
(3)
Within the area that is outside a 0.75 mile radius of the main stage of the venue, produces sound that, at a residential property line, is:
(A)
65 dba or lower between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; and
(B)
55 dba or lower between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
(iii)
The limitations concerning the electronic amplification of sound at an outdoor concert venue under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph apply even if the concert venue uses one or more satellite stages for an event at the venue.
(iv)
(1)
Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, an outdoor concert venue with a capacity of over 15,000 individuals may not produce any electronic amplification of sound between 11:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
(2)
The limitations concerning the electronic amplification of sound at an outdoor concert venue under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph do not apply to an activity sponsored or authorized by the Howard County Public School System between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
(v)
Notwithstanding § 3–105(a)(1) and (2) of this title, the noise control ordinances, rules, or regulations adopted by Howard County and in effect on October 1, 2013, do not apply to the electronic amplification of sound at an outdoor concert venue in the county with a capacity of over 15,000 individuals.
(d)
(1)
This section does not authorize the Department to adopt environmental noise standards, sound level limits, or noise control rules and regulations that apply to noise from:
(i)
Construction or repair work on public property;
(ii)
Fire or rescue station alerting devices; or
(iii)
In Frederick County or Frederick City:
(1)
A fair listed in the Maryland Agricultural Fairs and Shows Schedule that is maintained by the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board; or
(2)
Any other event held on the same grounds as a fair under item 1 of this item.
(2)
Noise control rules and regulations that apply to Department of Transportation facilities shall be adopted by the Department of Transportation.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-403 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A political subdivision may enforce the sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title.
(b)
A political subdivision that enforces a noise control standard adopted under this title or an ordinance concerning noise may:
(1)
Investigate a complaint concerning noise;
(2)
Institute and conduct a survey and testing program concerning noise;
(3)
Test or make another determination of the source of a noise; and
(4)
Assess the degree of required abatement of the noise.
(c)
Each sound level limit shall be applied at the boundary of:
(1)
A property; or
(2)
A land use category, as determined by the responsible political subdivision.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-404 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–404LinkCopy Citation
If a political subdivision determines that there is a violation of this title or any sound level limit or noise control rule or regulation adopted under this title, the political subdivision, after notice to the alleged violator, may issue a corrective order.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-405 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A political subdivision may bring an action to enjoin any conduct that is a willful violation of any provision of this title or any rule, regulation, or order adopted or issued under this title.
(b)
An action may not be brought under this section unless the person against whom it is brought has been given a reasonable time to comply with the provision that is the basis of the action.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-406 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–406LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person who willfully violates any provision of this title or any rule, regulation, or order adopted or issued under this title is liable to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000, to be collected in a civil action brought by a political subdivision in the circuit court for any county. Each day a violation continues is a separate violation under this section.
(b)
The political subdivision may compromise and settle any claim for a civil penalty under this section.
(c)
If, within 1 year after a civil penalty is compromised and settled under subsection (b) of this section, the person against whom the penalty is imposed satisfies the political subdivision that the violation has been eliminated or the order has been satisfied, the political subdivision may return to the person not more than 75 percent of the penalty paid.
(d)
An action under this section is in addition to and not instead of an action for injunctive relief under § 3–405 of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-407 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–407LinkCopy Citation
A person is not subject to action for a violation of a provision of this title or any rule or regulation adopted under this title so long as the person acts in accordance with a plan for compliance that:
(1)
The person has submitted to the political subdivision; and
(2)
The political subdivision has approved, with or without amendments.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-408 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 4. Rulemaking and Enforcement
§ 3–408LinkCopy Citation
A condition that is caused by an act of God, a strike, a riot, a catastrophe, or a cause over which an alleged violator has no control is not a violation of this title or any rule or regulation adopted under this title.
Subtitle 5. Duties and Authority of Units of State Government
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-501 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 5. Duties and Authority of Units of State Government
§ 3–501LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “unit” means a unit of the State government or a political subdivision.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-502 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 5. Duties and Authority of Units of State Government
§ 3–502LinkCopy Citation
To the fullest extent consistent with its authority under a law that it administers, a unit shall carry out programs that the unit administers to further the policy of the State to provide people with an environment free from noise that:
(1)
May jeopardize health, general welfare, and property; or
(2)
Degrades the quality of life.
Md. Code Ann., Envir. § 3-503 (2026)
Title 3. Noise Control
Subtitle 5. Duties and Authority of Units of State Government
§ 3–503LinkCopy Citation
A unit shall comply with federal, State, and interstate requirements concerning the control of environmental noise if the unit:
(1)
Has jurisdiction over any property or facility; or
(2)
Engages in any activity that results, or may result, in the emission of noise.