How Fall River Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
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.
Decibel Limits
Fall River's zoning code flatly bars any trade, industry, or other use that is noxious, offensive, or hazardous due to noise, vibration, or the emission of odors, dust, gas, fumes, smoke, cinders, or excessively bright light, in any zoning district.
Key details: Standard: Outright ban, no decibel threshold. Covers: Noise, vibration, odor, dust, smoke. Applies to: Any trade or industry. Reach: Citywide, all zoning districts.
A trade or industrial use found noxious, offensive, or hazardous by noise, vibration, odor, or bright light under § 86-461 is a prohibited use citywide, subject to Building Inspector enforcement or denial of a use permit.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fall River actively enforces its decibel limits requirements.
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.
Vehicle Noise
Fall River bans playing a car or motorcycle sound system loud enough to disturb neighbors while the vehicle is parked or driving on any city street.
Key details: Governing section: City Code § 70-9. Applies to: Parked or traveling vehicles. Standard: Volume disturbing neighborhood residents. 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.
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.