Taunton's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Taunton, Massachusetts, there are 3 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.

Barking Dogs

Taunton's noise ordinance Chapter 315 prohibits keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued sounds plainly audible within a noise-sensitive zone or at 50 feet from the lot line. Violations are fined up to $100 for the first offense, escalating to $300.

Key details: Standard: Audible 50 ft from lot line. Code: Chapter 315 + Ch. 191 Animals. Fine (1st): Up to $100. Enforcement: Police / Animal Control / Board of Health.

Warning first. Municipal fines $25 to $300. Selectman/mayor may order restraint. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Construction Hours

Taunton restricts construction, demolition, alteration, and repair of buildings to 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM under Chapter 315. Work outside these hours requires a permit from the Building Commissioner, granted only for urgent public health/safety necessity for up to 3 days.

Key details: Allowed Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM. Emergency Permit: Building Commissioner, up to 3 days. Code: Chapter 315. Fine: $100/$200/$300 escalating.

Stop-work orders for violations. Fines $100 to $500 per occurrence. Repeat offenders may face permit issues.

Compared to other cities, Taunton takes a harder line on construction hours. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Quiet Hours

Taunton adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 315) on November 2, 2021, prohibiting preventable and unnecessary noise. Noise that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of normal persons is prohibited at any time or place. Animals or birds plainly audible at 50 feet from the lot line are also prohibited.

Key details: Code: Chapter 315 (adopted 11-2-2021). Animal Noise: Prohibited if audible 50 ft from lot line. Fine (1st): Up to $100. Fine (3rd+): $300 + no auto license renewal.

First offense: up to $100. Second offense: $200. Each subsequent offense: $300. After the third offense, no automatic renewal of municipal license. Each occurrence is a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Taunton'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 Taunton is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Taunton 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.