Springfield's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Springfield, Massachusetts, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Construction Hours

Springfield, Massachusetts limits building erection, demolition, alteration, repair and excavation to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays under City Code § 259-6, absent a Code Enforcement permit.

Key details: Allowed hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays. Audibility limit: not audible at 100 feet. Permit issuer: Code Enforcement Commissioner. First-offense fine: $100.

First offense: $100 fine, rising to $200 for a second and $300 for a third and each subsequent violation within 12 months; disposed of under MGL c. 40, § 21D noncriminal procedure.

Quiet Hours

Springfield, Massachusetts bars loud noise from stores, bars, and gathering places audible at 200 feet between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. under City Code § 259-7.

Key details: Quiet hours: 10 p.m.-8 a.m.. Audibility threshold: 200 feet. First-offense fine: $100. Enforced by: Springfield Police Department.

First offense: $100 fine, escalating to $200 for a second and $300 for a third and each subsequent violation within 12 months; also enforceable as disturbing the peace under MGL c. 272, § 53.

Vehicle Noise

Springfield, Massachusetts bans loud car stereos audible 50 feet away and prohibits engine (Jake) brakes citywide, under City Code §§ 259-4 and 385-50.

Key details: Stereo audibility limit: plainly audible at 50 ft. Engine brakes: banned citywide. Engine brake fine: $300. Engine brake ban added: 10-8-2010.

A too-loud car stereo violates § 259-4's 50-foot audibility standard; using engine/Jake brakes anywhere in the City violates § 385-50 and carries a $300 fine under § 385-51.

Compared to other cities, Springfield takes a harder line on vehicle noise. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Leaf Blower Rules

Springfield, Massachusetts restricts power lawn mowers, hedge clippers, saws and similar outdoor tools like leaf blowers to set hours under City Code § 259-5, weekdays 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Key details: Weekday hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.. Weekend/holiday hours: 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.. Audibility exception: not audible at 50 feet. First-offense fine: $100.

First offense: $100 fine, then $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third and each subsequent violation within 12 months.

Decibel Limits

Springfield's citywide noise ordinance covers businesses and industry too, but requires enforcement to weigh the character of the zoning and the customary noise of zoning-permitted operations before penalizing them.

Key details: Standard: audible at 100 feet. Zoning-permitted noise: given due consideration. Fine range: $100-$300. Applies to: businesses and industry.

A business or factory whose equipment is plainly audible 100 feet away can still be cited under §§ 259-1 and 259-2, though zoning-permitted industrial noise gets due consideration before a fine of $100-$300 issues.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Springfield, Massachusetts bars amplification devices from being plainly audible at 50 feet on vehicles, public ways, or residential land under City Code Ch. 259.

Key details: Audibility threshold: 50 feet. First-offense fine: $100. Enforced by: Police, Code Enforcement. Applies to: vehicles, public ways, residences.

First offense: $100 fine. Second: $200. Third and each thereafter within 12 months: $300. Landlords face escalating fines for repeated violations they permit.

Barking Dogs

Springfield, Massachusetts treats barking audible 100 feet away for 10 straight minutes as a public nuisance, with an Animal Control Officer empowered to cite the owner and fines climbing to $300 per day.

Key details: Audibility threshold: 100 feet from the dog. Duration threshold: 10 minutes continuous. Max fine: $300 per day, 3rd offense. Enforced by: Animal Control Officer.

First offense: up to $50. Second: up to $100. Third or subsequent: up to $300, with each day a separate offense; repeat nuisances can trigger license revocation and impoundment.

The Bottom Line

Springfield'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 Springfield is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Springfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.