Noise Standards
The primary noise concern related to landscaping and yard care is the use of leaf blowers that might cause unnecessary and unusual noise disturbances.
Leaf Blower Noise
In July 1989, after extensive discussion, testimony, and public hearings, the Montgomery County Council amended the County Noise Ordinance (Chapter 31B, Section 31B-11, Montgomery County Code) to specifically regulate noise from leaf blowers. The amendment became effective July 1, 1990. It was reconfirmed and included in the comprehensive revision of the Noise Control Ordinance that became effective March 13, 1996.
Read the full text of the Montgomery County leaf blower noise law to learn more.
All Other Landscaping and Yard Care Activities
In addition, all yard care and landscaping activities must comply with the standards in the Montgomery County Noise Ordinance.
Note that in addition to specifically regulating leaf blowers, the Noise Control Ordinance further limits the hours of the day during which power tools and land and garden equipment may be operated. During daytime hours (from 7 a.m. weekdays or 9 a.m. weekends and holidays to 9 p.m. every day), power equipment may be operated in excess of the receiving property line noise standards. At all other times, the maximum receiving property line—55 dBA for residential and 62 dBA for commercial/industrial properties—prevails.
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