Industrial Noise: Cambridge vs Waltham
How do industrial noise rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Waltham, MA?
Cambridge and Waltham 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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Industrial noise in Waltham is regulated by zoning and Massachusetts DEP rules, with the 128 corridor tech firms subject to specific decibel standards.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Standard | - | 10 dBA above ambient |
| DEP Policy | - | 90-001 Noise |
| Zoning Boundary | - | Property line measurement |
| Major Firms | - | Raytheon, Thermo Fisher |
| Enforcement | - | Health + Building Dept |
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.
Waltham FAQ
What is the dBA limit at my property line?
Industrial noise cannot exceed 10 dBA above ambient, including pure tones.
Who do I call about a factory generator?
Waltham Health Department or MassDEP Northeast Regional Office.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Waltham compare on other ordinance categories.
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