Lowell building heights range from 35 feet in single-family districts up to 70 feet in downtown and industrial zones, with chimneys and church spires exempt.
The Lowell zoning code sets maximum structure heights by district. Single-family zones generally cap height at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Two-family and urban multifamily districts allow up to 40 feet. Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) and Regional Mixed Use districts allow 60 to 70 feet, and the Hamilton Canal Innovation District allows taller buildings by special permit. Chimneys, church spires, elevator bulkheads, and mechanical penthouses are typically exempt up to 10 feet above the limit. Accessory structures like sheds are capped at 15 feet. Any height variance requires Zoning Board of Appeals approval, and projects near historic districts also need Historic Board review.
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 structure height limits.
See how Lowell's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.