Industrial Noise: Cambridge vs Wakefield
How do industrial noise rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Wakefield, MA?
Cambridge and Wakefield have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
View full Cambridge rules →Wakefield, MA
Middlesex County
Industrial noise in Middlesex County is regulated by 310 CMR 7.10 (the Massachusetts DEP noise policy) plus local bylaws. The state rule prohibits industrial sources from exceeding ambient by more than 10 dBA.
View full Wakefield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Limit | 60 dBA at property line | - |
| Nighttime Limit | 50 dBA at property line | - |
| Tonal/Impulse Penalty | Additional 5 dBA | - |
| State Policy | MassDEP 90-001 | - |
| New Facilities | Noise analysis required | - |
| State rule | - | 310 CMR 7.10 |
| Ambient cap | - | 10 dBA over background |
| Pure tone | - | Prohibited at property line |
| Daytime cap | - | 65 dBA typical residential |
| Nighttime cap | - | 55 dBA typical residential |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
How is industrial noise measured in Cambridge?
With a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter at the nearest residential property line, typically averaged over 10 minutes.
Who enforces lab and biotech noise in Kendall Square?
Cambridge Inspectional Services handles most complaints, with MassDEP backup for cases exceeding local thresholds.
Wakefield FAQ
Who enforces industrial noise?
Local boards of health handle first response. MassDEP enforces 310 CMR 7.10 statewide with fines up to 25,000 dollars per day.
What is a pure tone violation?
A discrete frequency (like a whining fan) that stands out from broadband noise is prohibited even if overall dBA is low.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Wakefield compare on other ordinance categories.
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