Noise Ordinances in Fall River, MA

Fall River maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fall River falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Barking Dogs

Fall River addresses barking and nuisance dogs under MGL Ch. 140 §157. A dog that is a habitual barker or creates a nuisance may result in a citation with a $25 fine. The Animal Control Officer and Fall River PD enforce the provision.

Key details: State Law: MGL Ch. 140 §157. Fine: $25 per violation. Enforcement: Animal Control Officer / Fall River PD. Process: Complaint-based enforcement.

Vehicle Noise

Fall River City Code § 70-9 bars parking or operating a vehicle or motorcycle on any street with a sound or music device loud enough to disturb people living in the neighborhood. A second clause bars parking in publicly accessible places so as to intimidate the public through noise or trespass.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 70-9. Applies to: Parked or traveling vehicles. Standard: such a volume so as to disturb persons living in the neighborhood. Subsection B places: any way or place where the public has the right of access as invitees or licensees. Max fine: $300 per offense (§ 1-15).

General penalty under City Code § 1-15: up to $300 per offense; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Decibel Limits

Fall River, Massachusetts prints its numeric sound limit in the wind energy division of the zoning chapter: a facility is in violation if it raises the broadband sound level by more than 10 dB(A) above ambient or produces a pure tone of three decibels or more. The rest of the zoning chapter bars noxious noise with no decibel figure.

Key details: Wind facility sound limit: More than 10 dB(A) above ambient is a violation. Pure tone trigger: Three decibels or more above both adjacent frequency levels. Ambient defined as: A-weighted level exceeded 90% of the time during equipment hours. Measured at: Property line and nearest inhabited structure. Referenced state rule: DEP Noise Regulations, 310 CMR 7.10.

Operating a wind energy system that does not comply with the division or with a permit condition is unlawful under § 86-407(D), though systems installed before adoption are exempt. Unless another provision is expressly made, § 1-15 sets a penalty not exceeding $300 for each offense, each day a violation continues is a separate offense, and the City can also seek an injunction. The Building Commissioner/Inspector of Buildings enforces the zoning chapter (§ 86-473) and, in his sole discretion, can pursue noncriminal disposition under MGL c. 40, § 21D (§ 86-476).

Quiet Hours

Fall River prohibits all noises that menace health or interrupt sleep between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on Sundays. The city's noise regulations are enforced by the Fall River Police Department under the general nuisance provisions of the Revised Ordinances.

Key details: Weekday Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM. Sunday Quiet Hours: 10 PM–8 AM. Vehicle Noise: §70-9 prohibits excessive music devices. State Standard: 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10). Enforcement: Fall River Police Department.

First offense warning or citation. Municipal fines $50 to $300. MGL c.272 §53: fine up to $200 or imprisonment.

The Bottom Line

Fall River's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fall River is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fall River's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.