Construction hours and noise across the DC area
What hours can construction happen, and how loud can equipment be? The rules differ at every jurisdiction line. Here is the short answer for each.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.
| Where | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | Construction is allowed Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., without a special permit. Construction noise is barred on Sundays and legal holidays. Other hours need an after-hours permit. |
| Montgomery County, MD | Construction noise may not exceed 75 dBA unless a noise suppression plan allows more. General limits are 65 dBA by day and 55 at night. |
| Prince George's County, MD | Construction is allowed daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Report after-hours noise to the police non-emergency line. |
| Alexandria, VA | Construction: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, never Sundays. Homeowner power tools: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. |
| Arlington County, VA | Construction louder than the residential limits (60 dBA by day, 55 at night) is allowed only 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and never over 90 dBA. |
| Fairfax County, VA | Construction is generally allowed 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays, with a 90 dB limit at residential property lines. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.