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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Baltimore, Maryland
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: 21:00-07:00 (Title 9 nighttime period reduces permissible levels by 5 dB for uses in or bordering residential zones)
Weekends/holidays: 21:00-07:00 (same)
Construction weekdays: No single fixed schedule in code; activities must meet Title 9 limits. Night reduction applies 21:00-07:00; temporary exemptions (noise waivers) may be granted by the Health Commissioner (see Section 9-209).
Construction weekends: Same framework as weekdays (no blanket hours; must meet limits). Home power-tool allowed window is 10:00-22:00 on weekends/legal holidays (Section 9-208(b)).
Baltimore sets zone-based sound limits in Health Code Title 9 - Noise Regulation, with a residential daytime limit of 55 dBA at the property line and a -5 dB reduction during 21:00-07:00. Short, time-limited deviations and home-activity windows (e.g., power tools) are defined. See Title 9, Section 9-206 (limits), Section 9-207 (night), and Section 9-208 (home activities).
Residential quiet hours
21:00-07:00 (Title 9 nighttime period reduces permissible levels by 5 dB for uses in or bordering residential zones)
Weekends & holidays: 21:00-07:00 (same)
Decibel limits
55 dBA daytime / 50 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
No single fixed schedule in code; activities must meet Title 9 limits. Night reduction applies 21:00-07:00; temporary exemptions (noise waivers) may be granted by the Health Commissioner (see Section 9-209).
Weekends: Same framework as weekdays (no blanket hours; must meet limits). Home power-tool allowed window is 10:00-22:00 on weekends/legal holidays (Section 9-208(b)).
Lawn equipment
Home workshops and power garden equipment allowed 07:00-21:00 on weekdays; 10:00-22:00 on weekends and holidays (Section 9-208(b)).
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Must meet zone limits at the receiving property (Section 9-206); between 21:00-07:00 the applicable maximums are 5 dB lower for residential contexts (Section 9-207). Brief exceedances are allowed only within Section 9-208(a) (5/10/15 dB for limited durations).
Typical fines
Up to $1,000 per offense on conviction; each day a separate offense (misdemeanor under Section 9-218).
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 (Baltimore City) ??? routed to Health Department/enforcement; police for active disturbances or after-hours urgent issues. 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://311services.baltimorecity.gov/ or call 311 (Baltimore City) ??? routed to Health Department/enforcement; police for active disturbances or after-hours urgent issues. 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 neighbor ??? Baltimore's Title 9 sets a 55 dBA residential limit and lowers it after 9 p.m. We've been hearing [describe noise] around [times]. Could we keep it down after 9 p.m.? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we're experiencing recurring noise that appears to exceed Baltimore's Title 9 limits (55 dBA day / 50 dBA night at the property line, with only brief deviations allowed). Please remind tenants/contractors and help resolve this. We've logged dates/times and can share recordings.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Health Code of Baltimore City ??? Title 9 (Noise Regulation)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Measure or assess from your property line; note whether the source is in a residential, commercial, or manufacturing zone.
- If noise occurs after 21:00, cite Section 9-207's 5 dB nighttime reduction for residential contexts.
- For home power tools, reference Section 9-208(b) allowed windows when speaking with neighbors or filing 311.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.