Quiet Hours: Fitchburg vs Oxford
How do quiet hours rules compare between Fitchburg, MA and Oxford, MA?
Oxford has fewer restrictions than Fitchburg.
Fitchburg, MA
Worcester County
Fitchburg Code Ch. 132, Article VI (Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with a 50 dBA cap; daytime limit is 70 dBA. Construction is restricted from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (50 dBA at residential lot lines). State 310 CMR 7.10 also applies.
View full Fitchburg rules →Oxford, MA
Worcester County
Worcester County, MA has no county government and passes no ordinances. All noise rules are set by individual cities and towns. The county government was abolished July 1, 1998 (St. 1997, c. 48). Each of the 60 municipalities sets its own quiet hours.
View full Oxford rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Oxford |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. | Set by each municipality |
| Night Limit | 50 dBA | - |
| Day Limit | 70 dBA | - |
| Construction Cutoff | 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. | - |
| First-Offense Fine | $50 | - |
| County Government | - | Abolished July 1, 1998 |
| Authority | - | 60 cities/towns govern themselves |
| State Law | - | St. 1997, c. 48 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fitchburg FAQ
What are Fitchburg's quiet hours?
11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Noise above 50 dBA during those hours violates Ch. 132, Article VI.
When can contractors run equipment?
Construction noise above 50 dBA at a residential lot line is barred from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Who do I call?
Fitchburg Police non-emergency line at 978-345-4355.
Oxford FAQ
What are the quiet hours in Worcester County?
Worcester County, MA has no county government and passes no ordinances. All noise rules are set by individual cities and towns. The county government was abolished July 1, 1998 (St. 1997, c. 48). Each of the 60 municipalities sets its own quiet hours.
What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in Worcester County?
County Government: Abolished July 1, 1998. Authority: 60 cities/towns govern themselves. State Law: St. 1997, c. 48. Quiet Hours: Set by each municipality.
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