Maximum Sound Levels

Baltimore City Code div. Health Code, tit. 9, subtit. 2, pt. II

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 9-205 In general.

§ 9-205. In general. (a) Prohibited conduct. (1) No person may cause or permit a sound level that exceeds the applicable level specified in this subtitle. (2) No person may cause or permit a sound level from the construction, repair, or demolition of a structure or street that exceeds any applicable level set by a rule or regulation of Commissioner, except in accordance with a temporary exemption permit or as necessary to do emergency work. (3) No person may operate a motor vehicle so as to exceed any applicable sound level set by a rule or regulation of the Commissioner. (4) No person may use a vehicle horn except: (i) as reasonably necessary to assure safe operation; or (ii) as an emergency warning signal. (b) Measurements. For sound levels set in this subtitle, measurements must be made with instruments calibrated by means of accepted acoustical techniques to an accuracy of plus or minus 1 dB(A). (Ord. 99-548.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 9-206 Limits.

§ 9-206. Limits. (a) In general. (1) Except as otherwise specified in this subtitle, the maximum permissible sound levels are as set in this section for the applicable zone. (2) Where the property line of a use coincides with a zone boundary, the level specified in this section for the zone boundary controls. (3) Where the use is on a public street, the “property line” referred to in this section is the boundary of the public right-of-way. (b) Manufacturing zones. If the sound is from a use in a manufacturing zone, the maximum permissible sound level is: (1) 75 dB(A) at any point on the property line of the use; (2) 70 dB(A) at any point on a boundary that separates the manufacturing zone from a commercial zone; and (3) 70 dB(A) at any point on a boundary that separates the manufacturing zone from a residential zone. (c) Commercial zones. If the sound is from a use in a commercial zone, the maximum permissible sound level is: (1) 61 dB(A) at any point on the property line of the use; (2) 64 dB(A) at any point on a boundary that separates the commercial zone from a manufacturing zone; and (3) 58 dB(A) at any point on a boundary that separates the commercial zone from a residential zone. (d) Residential zone. If the sound is from a use in a residential zone, the maximum permissible sound level is: (1) 55 dB(A) at any point on the property line of the use; (2) 61 dB(A) at any point on a boundary that separates the residential zone from a manufacturing zone; and (3) 58 dB(A) at any point on a boundary that separates the residential zone from a commercial zone. (Ord. 99-548.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 9-207 Nighttime sound reductions.

§ 9-207. Nighttime sound reductions. Between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., the maximum permissible sound specified in § 9-206 {“Limits”} of this subtitle must be reduced by 5 dB(A) for any use that: (1) borders on a residential zone; or (2) except for the level permitted by § 9-206(d)(2) of this subtitle, is in a residential zone. (Ord. 99-548.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 9-208 Permitted deviations.

§ 9-208. Permitted deviations. (a) Short, durational deviations. The maximum permissible sound levels specified in § 9-206 {“Limits”} of this subtitle may be exceeded by no more than: (1) 5 dB(A) for a total of not more than 12 minutes in any 1-hour period; (2) 10 dB(A) for a total of not more than 3 minutes in any 1-hour period; or (3) 15 dB(A) for a total of not more than 30 seconds in any 1-hour period. (b) Home activities — vehicle repairs; power tools. Noncommercial vehicular repairs and the use of home workshops, power tools, and power garden equipment are allowed: (1) between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays; and (2) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays. (c) Home activities — air conditioners; heat pumps. Air conditioning and heat pump equipment used to cool or heat housing on residential property may exceed the maximum sound levels specified in § 9-206 {“Limits”} of this subtitle as long as the sound level does not exceed: (1) for air conditioning equipment, 70 dB(A) at any point on the property line of any other residential property; and (2) for heat pump equipment, 75 dB(A) at any point on the property line of any other residential property. (Ord. 99-548.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, § 9-209 Temporary exemptions.

§ 9-209. Temporary exemptions. (a) In general. When in the public interest, the Commissioner of Health may grant a temporary exemption from the maximum permissible sound levels specified in this subtitle. (b) Application and fee. (1) An application for a temporary exemption must be made in the form that the Commissioner requires. (2) In addition to any other information that the Commissioner requires, the application must contain: (i) the name of the applicant; (ii) the location of the property for which the exemption is requested; (iii) the dates and hours for which the exemption is requested; (iv) the equipment, instruments, or devices that will be producing the sound; (v) the name of the person in charge of operating the equipment, instruments, or devices; and (vi) a statement of the reason the exemption is needed or appropriate. (c) Form and contents of exemption. A temporary exemption must: (1) be in writing; (2) be signed by the Commissioner; and (3) set forth: (i) the name of the person granted the exemption; (ii) the location of the property for which the exemption is granted; (iii) the dates and hours for which the exemption is effective; (iv) the equipment, instruments, or devices to which the exemption is limited; and (v) any conditions or requirements that the Commissioner specifies. (d) Exemption limitations. A temporary exemption: (1) may be granted only for a period that is reasonable in view of all the facts, but in no case for more than 30 days; (2) may not be granted more than 3 times in any 1 calendar year for the same location; and (3) may not permit its holder to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels specified in this subtitle by more than 25 dB(A). (Ord. 99-548.)

Baltimore City Code, Health Code, §§ 9-210 to 9-211 {Reserved}

Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/health/9/2/IIFetched: 10/25/2026