Noise Ordinances in Lawrence, MA (2026)
6 verified noise ordinances for Lawrence, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Lawrence's general noise curfew runs 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day, and 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Sundays and designated holidays, barring any machine, trade, or other continual noise that annoys, injures, or endangers others' comfort or safety. The rule explicitly does not restrict speech.
Lawrence Nighttime Noise Curfew
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.04.040(A)
Prohibited conduct. Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on all days and between hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. on Sundays, legal holidays, Christmas day and such other days as the city council determines will be appropriate, it is unlawful for any person to make continual or cause to be made or continued, in the operation of any machine or the exercise of any trade or calling or othe...
Construction Hours
Lawrence bars noisy construction, drilling, or demolition work between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if the sound crosses a residential property boundary. The city carves out an exception for emergency utility work or a special variance, and violators face a minimum $200.00 fine per offense.
Lawrence Construction Noise Hours Ban
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.04.040(B)(1)
Construction. It is unlawful to operate or permit the operation of any tools or equipment used in construction drilling or demolition work between the hours of nine p.m. and seven a.m. such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary except for emergency work of public service utilities or by special variance.
Barking Dogs
Lawrence law makes it illegal to let a dog or other animal become a nuisance through excessive barking, whining or howling. Section 6.04.100 sets the standard: barking that is 'excessive, continuous, or untimely' and disturbs the peace of an area is a violation the animal control officer or police can act on, apart from any leash or licensing rule.
Lawrence Bans Excessive Barking as a Nuisance
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances § 6.04.100
No person who owns or keeps an animal shall allow such animal to become a nuisance by reason of vicious disposition, being a dangerous animal, excessive barking, or other disturbance, or that by such barking or other disturbance is a source of annoyance to any such person. Animal behavior which constitutes a nuisance includes, but is not limited to, the following: A.Molesting passersby or passi...
Leaf Blower Rules
Lawrence bars outdoor power tools, including lawn and garden equipment such as leaf blowers, saws, drills, and mowers, between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and before 8:30 a.m. on weekends. Powered snow-removal equipment is specifically excluded from the restriction.
Lawrence Lawn and Garden Tool Hours
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.04.040(B)(2)
Domestic power tools. It is unlawful to operate or permit the operation of any mechanically powered saw, drill, grinder, sander, lawn or garden tool, lawn mower or other similar device used outdoors other than powered snow removal equipment between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or on Saturday or Sunday before the hour of 8:30 a.m.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Lawrence caps commercial loudspeaker and public address use on public rights-of-way: amplified sound cannot carry more than 200 feet or cross a property boundary without a city permit. The rule targets outdoor promotional and event sound systems on streets and sidewalks, not private indoor use, and applies regardless of time of day.
Lawrence Amplified Sound and PA Limits
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.04.040(B)(3)
Loudspeakers or public address systems. It is unlawful to use, operate or permit the operation of any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device amplifying sound therefrom on a public right-of-way or way to which the public has the right of access for any commercial purpose if said amplified sound can be heard from a distance of further than 200 feet or if said sound crosses a real p...
Vehicle Noise
Lawrence bars playing a car radio, stereo, or musical device loud enough to create a noise disturbance over 70 decibels measured 25 feet away, on any public right-of-way or public or private space. Violating vehicles are subject to towing under the city's towing ordinance.
Lawrence Vehicle Stereo Decibel Limit
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances § 9.04.040(B)(5)(b)
Radios, television sets, musical instruments and similar devices. It is unlawful to operate or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument or similar device: ... b. In such a manner as to create a continuing noise disturbance greater than 70 decibels measured at 25 feet from such device when operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right-o...