Decibel Limits: Cambridge vs Waltham
How do decibel limits rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
View full Cambridge rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham enforces decibel limits based on state DEP policy, with 10 dBA above ambient as the threshold at property lines in all zones.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Day Limit | 60 dBA (7 AM to 10 PM) | - |
| Night Limit | 50 dBA (10 PM to 7 AM) | - |
| Tonal Penalty | Plus 5 dBA | - |
| Measurement | Type 2 meter at property line | - |
| Low-Frequency | Separate assessment available | - |
| Threshold | - | 10 dBA above ambient |
| Residential Ambient | - | 40-50 dBA night |
| Measurement Point | - | Property line |
| Pure Tone Rule | - | Cannot exceed ambient |
| Authority | - | MassDEP Policy 90-001 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
What is a dBA versus dB?
dBA is A-weighted decibels, which adjusts for human hearing sensitivity. Cambridge uses dBA for most limits, with special handling for low-frequency sound.
How loud is 50 dBA?
About the level of a quiet refrigerator or light rainfall, roughly 15 feet from a normal conversation.
Waltham FAQ
Does Waltham have a fixed dBA cap like 65?
No, it uses the relative 10 dBA above ambient standard.
Can I use my own dB meter?
Yes, but enforcement requires calibrated official measurement.
Compare other topics
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