Industrial Noise: Boston vs Chelsea
How do industrial noise rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Boston and Chelsea have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston caps industrial and commercial noise under the Air Pollution Control Commission noise regulation. Fixed-source equipment cannot exceed 10 dBA above ambient at the property line.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
Massachusetts regulates industrial and commercial noise statewide through the Department of Environmental Protection under the Air Pollution Control regulations, prohibiting noise that creates a condition of air pollution.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Code | APCC Noise Regulation | - |
| Residential Day Limit | 70 dBA | - |
| Residential Night Limit | 50 dBA | - |
| Construction Hours | 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays | - |
| Regulation | - | 310 CMR 7.10 |
| Threshold | - | 10 dBA above ambient |
| Authority | - | MassDEP statewide |
| Max Penalty | - | $25,000 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Chelsea FAQ
Does the MassDEP noise rule apply to all businesses?
Yes, 310 CMR 7.10 applies statewide to all stationary commercial and industrial sources, regardless of whether the local municipality has its own noise ordinance.
How is ambient sound measured under DEP Policy 90-001?
Ambient is the L90 level measured at the property line or nearest inhabited residence with the source off; the source must not exceed ambient by more than 10 dBA.
Can a city set stricter industrial noise rules?
Cities may add stricter rules but cannot override the DEP minimum standard, which applies as a statewide floor for all industrial sources.
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