Baltimore Noise Ordinance: Limits, Quiet Hours & How to File a Complaint

How Baltimore decides what counts as too loud

Baltimore sets numeric limits measured at the property line between properties, with a 5 dBA reduction at night for residential zones.

Noise limits in Baltimore

What's specific to Baltimore

• Baltimore's quiet period starts at 9:00 PM, earlier than most large cities — worth knowing before assuming a 10:00 or 11:00 PM threshold.
• Noise waivers are available for specific events and are published by the city.

What Baltimore residents most often report

• Amplified sound and music from residences and venues after 9:00 PM.
• Construction operating under or outside a noise waiver.
• Commercial equipment at property lines shared with rowhouse blocks.

How to measure it in Baltimore

Measure at the property line between the two properties, which is what the Health Article specifies. Baltimore's night period starts at 9:00 PM — earlier than most large cities — and the permissible level for uses in or bordering residential zones drops by 5 dBA at that point, so the same noise can flip from compliant to a violation at 9:00 PM exactly.

Record levels with the free online decibel meter, and log the date, start time and duration with each reading. A phone microphone is accurate to roughly ±2 dB and is not a calibrated instrument — enough to establish a pattern, not enough for an enforcement hearing.

Penalties in Baltimore

Enforced by the Health Department; environmental citations with escalating fines.

How to file a noise complaint in Baltimore

311 within the city, or 410-396-4688 from outside. Complaints route to the Health Department for enforcement.

311 →

Noise ordinances in other metros

See all US metro noise ordinances or read how many decibels is too loud.