State Law: Environment Article, Title 3 - see
www.mlis.state.md.us and
http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/states/maryland/maryland.htm
State Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), Title 26.02.03.
Basic considerations for the application of noise control rules and regulations are provided below for use by local jurisdictions in administering local ordinances:
State noise regulations set maximum intruding sound level limits statewide for three different land uses (industrial, commercial, and residential) for both day and night. The residential limits, which are most often of concern, are:
Daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) 65 dBA - for residential receiving properties
Nighttime (10 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) 55 dBA - for residential receiving properties
These limits were established as the upper bounds of annoyance acceptance for a majority of people, but were not expected to provide for 100% acceptance by all people. Experience has shown that 50% of the complaints investigated are not found to exceed the limit applicable limits.
Local jurisdictions are encouraged to establish more restrictive standards where circumstances so indicate.
Measurements for determining compliance are generally taken at the edge of the complainant's property. Reasonable consideration is given to the actual use at that location.
Responsible parties should be notified of the violation and instructed to take corrective actions.
Exemptions are granted in the regulations for a number of essential sources, such as emergency warning systems, and activities that cannot be readily abated (construction), are of a short duration (parade), or are of general public interest (sporting events). Details of these exemptions are contained in the regulations and below. Procedures are also established to seek a variance for conditions not specifically exempted.