(A) Definition. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
UNREASONABLY LOUD NOISE. Any noise which because of its loudness and frequency, while taking into consideration its location, unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity.
(B) Scope. This section does not apply to the following:
(1) The use or operation of a device in the performance of a governmental function by an agency or instrumentality of federal, state, county, or municipal government;
(2) The use or operation of a device in the performance of a public service function by a public service company as defined in § 1-101 of the Public Utilities Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland;
(3) The use or operation of a device under a valid federal or state license or permit;
(4) The use or operation of a device in the activities of an educational institution or bona fide nonprofit charitable or philanthropic organization or civic association;
(5) The use or operation of device in an agricultural operation for the production and/or cultivation of farm products as defined in the Carroll County Right To Farm Ordinance, Title XV, §§ 160.01 et seq.; or
(6) Sound created by vehicles used for, or in the act of, trash and recycling collection.
(C) Prohibitions. A person may not:
(1) At any time, use, operate, or permit the use or operation of a radio or other music producing device, a television, an amplified musical instrument, or any other audio device producing an unreasonably loud noise that can be heard in a residential area; or
(2) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., use, operate or permit the use or operation of a musical instrument, machine, tool, equipment, amplified sound system, or similar device generating unreasonably loud noise that can be heard in a residential area.
(3) Non-commercial off-road vehicle use, setback requirements.
(a) A person may not operate, or permit to be operated, an off-road internal combustion engine-powered recreational vehicle, including but not limited to a dirt bike, an all-terrain vehicle, a go-cart, a snowmobile, or a similar vehicle, on private property closer than 300 feet to a neighboring residence or the associated curtilage, without the written permission of the impacted resident.
(b) This section is not intended to restrict the use of agricultural vehicles, off- road vehicles used for law enforcement, fire, emergency, military, or other governmental purposes, and vehicles used for routine access of a property as determined by the Sheriff’s Department.
(Ord. 2022-05, passed 5-5-2022) Penalty, see § 93.99