Quiet Hours: Fitchburg vs Webster
How do quiet hours rules compare between Fitchburg, MA and Webster, MA?
Fitchburg and Webster have similar restriction levels.
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 →Webster, MA
Worcester County
Webster does not have a dedicated noise ordinance with fixed decibel limits in its general bylaws. The Town's Code (Chapter 302 covers alarm systems) and Article IV District Regulations handle noise as a public nuisance enforceable by the Webster Police Department and Board of Health. Massachusetts case law uses a 10 dBA-above-ambient standard for unreasonable noise.
View full Webster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Webster |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. | - |
| Night Limit | 50 dBA | - |
| Day Limit | 70 dBA | - |
| Construction Cutoff | 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. | - |
| First-Offense Fine | $50 | - |
| Code Reference | - | General bylaws + MGL ch. 272 §53 |
| DEP Standard | - | 10 dBA above ambient |
| De-facto Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM - 7 AM |
| Enforcement | - | Police / Board of Health |
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.
Webster FAQ
What are Webster MA quiet hours?
Webster has no fixed quiet hours by ordinance. Massachusetts state law (MGL ch. 272 sec. 53) and the Webster general bylaws treat unreasonable noise as a nuisance. In practice, complaints between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. are most actionable.
How do I report a noise problem in Webster?
For immediate disturbances call the Webster Police non-emergency line. For chronic / stationary noise sources (HVAC, business activity), file a complaint with the Webster Board of Health, which can issue formal abatement orders.
Compare other topics
See how Fitchburg and Webster compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool