Noise Abatement

Noise in Residential Areas:

According to Harford County Code, a person shall not make or cause to be made between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. any noise produced vocally, with any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, any device intended for the production or reproduction of sound, or any household tool or other household equipment, if the noise is audible on any property that is used for residential purposes and is located more than 50 feet from the source of the noise.


Sanctions for Violations:

A person who fails to stop making or causing to be made any noise that violates the provisions of this section after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer, shall be subject to a civil fine.

A person who violates the provisions of Harford County Code §193-8 (Peace and Good Order, Noise in residential areas) shall be liable for a civil fine in the following amount:

  • $250 for the first violation;
  • $500 for the second violation;
  • $1,000 for a third violation and each subsequent violation.

Limitations:

The above restrictions do not apply to noise resulting from:

  1. The operations of a public service company;
  2. The operations of an instrumentality of the federal government, state government, or county government;
  3. The operations of a volunteer fire and ambulance company;
  4. The operation of farm equipment; or
  5. The operations of a business or industrial facility, provided that the noise is not produced from a source as referenced above.

To report any noise
complaints, please contact
the Harford County Sheriff’s
Office non-emergency line:
410-838-6600.