Noise Regulations

It is the declared public policy of the District that every person is entitled to ambient noise levels that are not detrimental to life to life, health, and enjoyment of his or her property. It is hereby declared that excessive or unnecessary noises within the District are a menace to the welfare and prosperity of the residents and businesses of the District. It is the declared public policy of the District to reduce the ambient noise level in the District to promote public health, safety, welfare, and the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the District, and to facilitate the enjoyment of the natural attraction of the District. (DCMR 20, Sec. 2700.1)

DCRA is one of several agencies which enforce regulations regarding noise. DCRA's primary responsibility is for noise related to activity under its regulatory authority; the two primary being trash truck noise complaints and construction noise complaints.

Trash Truck Noise 

Trash collection by private haulers is prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential, special purpose, or waterfront zones, or within 300 feet of any of these zones. These rules do not apply to Department of Public Works vehicles, only private trash collection companies.

If we find the private trash hauler is operating outside the allowable hours, the company will be issued a Notice of Infraction for $1,000.00. To report a violation, follow the Trash Truck Noise Complaints link under "Related Services" on this page.

Legal Construction Hours

Construction is allowed Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm without any special permits. Customers must apply for an after-hours permit to work beyond these legal construction hours. If you believe work is being done after legal hours without permit, please report it to DCRA.

To report a violation, follow the Report Illegal Construction link under "Related Services" on this page.

Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration 

Complaints about noise at establishments licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration  should be directed to ABRA.

Metropolitan Police Department

Other noise complaints in public space should be directed to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Roles and responsibilities for the various engaged D.C. government agencies will be found  below: a compilation of  the District's noise regulations and standards 'Noise Regulations Handbook' can be found under Related Documents on this page, which includes Title 20 District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Chapter 27, Noise Control and Chapter 28, Maximum Noise Levels, and Chapter 29, Noise Measuring Test Procedures.