All dogs in Lowell must be leashed when off the owner's property. Off-leash is permitted only at designated dog parks or on the owner's controlled property.
Lowell requires that any dog off the owner's property be under restraint by a leash no longer than six feet held by a person capable of controlling the dog. This rule applies on sidewalks, in parks, along the Merrimack and Concord River greenways, on the canalways, and in the Lowell National Historical Park grounds. The only exception is within city-designated off-leash areas; Lowell has limited off-leash dog park capacity, and users should check Parks Department signage. Owners must also carry a means to pick up waste; failure to remove waste is a separate violation with a 50 dollar fine. Licensed dogs wearing rabies tags are required. Leash-law violations typically carry fines of 50 to 100 dollars, with higher penalties for repeat offenses or incidents involving injury to people or other animals.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle dog leash laws.
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