Noise Ordinances in Chelsea, MA (2026)
4 verified noise ordinances for Chelsea, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Chelsea enforces noise complaints through Chapter 16 (Miscellaneous Offenses). No single statewide decibel limit applies; the city relies on MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 (violation when sound exceeds ambient by 10+ dB) and nuisance standards. Police enforcement for unreasonable noise.
Chelsea Quiet Hours & Noise Ordinance
Some RestrictionsMGL c. 40, § 21
Section 21. Towns may, for the purposes hereinafter named, make such ordinances and by-laws, not repugnant to law, as they may judge most conducive to their welfare, which shall be binding upon all inhabitants thereof and all persons within their limits. They may, except as herein provided, affix penalties for breaches thereof not exceeding three hundred dollars for each offense, which shall en...
Construction Hours
Construction noise regulated under Chelsea Code Ch. 16 and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Standard hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM; no construction on Sundays or holidays. Permits may specify narrower windows.
Chelsea Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Barking dogs addressed under Chelsea Code Ch. 4 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking is a civil nuisance complaint under MGL c. 140. Animal Control enforces; owners may face fines for dogs causing repeated disturbances.
Chelsea Barking Dog Regulations
Some RestrictionsMGL c. 140, § 157
Section 157. (a) Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog; or (iii) if the dog was reacting to another animal or to a ...
Aircraft Noise
Chelsea is in the flight path of Boston Logan International Airport (about 1 mile west). Aircraft noise is governed by federal FAA regulations and Massport; the city has no local authority over aircraft flight paths or engine noise.
Chelsea Aircraft Noise from Logan
Some RestrictionsLooking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chelsea city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Suffolk County →