Intentional feeding of deer, bears, coyotes, and waterfowl is discouraged in Lowell; feeding that creates a public health nuisance can be cited by the Board of Health.
Massachusetts prohibits the intentional feeding of black bears and in some circumstances deer under MassWildlife regulations, and Lowell's Board of Health can cite any feeding practice that attracts rodents, creates unsanitary conditions, or endangers public safety. Along the Merrimack River and Concord River corridors, residents sometimes feed ducks and geese; excessive feeding creates water-quality issues and habituates waterfowl to humans. Bird feeding is allowed for songbirds, but feeders must be maintained to prevent rodent attraction (fallen seed cleared daily, feeders cleaned periodically). Coyote sightings are common in the Highlands and Belvidere; feeding coyotes (directly or by leaving pet food outside) can result in nuisance citations. First offenses typically get a warning; continued violations carry 50 to 300 dollar fines.
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 wildlife feeding.
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