Montgomery County has installed new signage in downtown Silver Spring to remind residents and visitors of the noise ordinance currently on the books.
According to NBC Washington, the county plans to enforce the regulations more strictly following numerous complaints about noise levels exceeding legal limits.
“The sound has become, the best way to describe it, oppressive at times,” Montgomery County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard said last week. “Maximum volume on speakers; yelling into the microphone.”
Blue signs have been placed around Veterans Plaza, which, according to WTOP, is considered the focal point for noise in downtown Silver Spring.
“It’s like speeding,” Stoddard explained. “We’re not targeting those going 66 in a 65-mile-an-hour zone; we’re going after those speeding at 90, 100, 110.”
The signs indicate that the noise limit is 65 decibels daily and 55 decibels after 9 p.m., which aligns with existing laws.
Enforcement of these rules will begin next month, with those using amplifiers to create excessive noise will be asked to lower the volume. Flyers in English and Spanish will be distributed, and crews will use sound-measuring devices to monitor noise levels and collect data to evaluate the situation.
Violators could face a fine of $750.
“Signs are just the first step,” Stoddard said on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ll be out doing education before the first enhanced enforcement takes off. We’re trying to be reasonable while setting clear expectations for good community stewardship.”
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection website details the county’s noise ordinance and instructions for submitting noise complaints.
Photo: © Apicha – stock.adobe.com
Signs are just the first step. We’ll be out doing education before the first enhanced enforcement takes off. We’re trying to be reasonable, while setting clear expectations for good community stewardship. More to come… https://t.co/UjoosH5LfQ
— Earl Stoddard PhD, MPH, CEM (@EarlStoddard) June 11, 2024