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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Washington, District of Columbia
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
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Default quiet hours: 19:00-07:00 (construction requires after-hours permit outside these hours)
Weekends/holidays: 19:00-07:00 (construction; Sunday/holidays require after-hours permit)
Construction weekdays: 07:00-19:00 (without after-hours permit)
Construction weekends: Sunday/holidays: after-hours permit required; otherwise not allowed
Washington, DC sets residential sound limits of 60 dBA by day and 55 dBA at night (measured at the receiving property). Construction is generally limited to 07:00-19:00 Mon-Sat; Sunday/holiday or night work needs an After-Hours Permit. See 20 DCMR Section 2701 and DOB construction hours.
Residential quiet hours
19:00-07:00 (construction requires after-hours permit outside these hours)
Weekends & holidays: 19:00-07:00 (construction; Sunday/holidays require after-hours permit)
Decibel limits
60 dBA daytime / 55 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-19:00 (without after-hours permit)
Weekends: Sunday/holidays: after-hours permit required; otherwise not allowed
Lawn equipment
Not specified
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Amplified sound must comply with Title 20 limits at the receiving property; ABC-licensed premises also must meet DC Code Section 25-725 and ABCA rules.
Typical fines
Varies by section; Title 20 administrative penalties apply and ABCA may fine licensed premises
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 (OUC) for noise; Department of Buildings for construction/after-hours work. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://dob.dc.gov/node/1620796 or call 311 (OUC) for noise; Department of Buildings for construction/after-hours work. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi - DC's nighttime residential limit is 55 dBA at the property line, and construction outside 7 a.m.-7 p.m. needs an after-hours permit. Could you keep noise down overnight?
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We're experiencing noise that appears to exceed DC Title 20 nighttime limits and/or construction outside 7 a.m.-7 p.m. without an after-hours permit. Could you address this with the tenant/contractor?
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: 20 DCMR Chapter 27 - Noise (Maximum Sound Levels) & DOB construction-hour rules
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- If construction occurs after 19:00 or on Sundays/holidays, ask for the After-Hours Permit number.
- Measure at the property line or inside your residence with windows closed; note time and duration.
- Use 311 so the report routes to DOB/MPD/ABCA as appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.