Show All Answers

1. Who enforces noise laws?

Both the county and the town enforce the noise laws.

Both the County Noise Ordinance and the Town Noise Ordinance apply in the town. The county’s ordinance is based on restricting decibel levels. The town’s ordinance is based on limiting the hours that noise is permissible in the town, as well as restricting the use of certain equipment (gas powered leaf blowers).

2. Whom do I call when to report a noise complaint?

During daytime hours, you should contact the County Department of Environmental Protection at 240-777-7700. During town quiet hours, you should contact the Town Office or the Montgomery County Police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. You may also send a Two Party Noise Disturbance Complaint that will serve as a basis for enforcement of the Town's noise laws.

3. What time frame is to be expected for a response?

Response time will vary. An off-duty police officer or member of the Town staff will respond if there are resources available.  Town staff will work with residents and contractors to gain compliance with the ordinance.

4. When would a citation be issued from the town?

Citations may be issued to repeat offenders. A citation may be issued if a police officer witnesses a violation and/or if the county or town receives written complaints from at least two witnesses, who are not residents at the same address, of a noise disturbance. The complainants must be willing to testify in court, if required.

5. Does the town require complaints from two people about a violation?

The ordinance requires two written noise complaints to possibly issue a citation. Two complaints verify that there was in fact a violation of the noise ordinance. The person in violation of the noise control ordinance could be issued a warning instead of a fine absent two written complaints.

6. Who is responsible for fines?

The owner of the property and/or the contractor may be responsible.