Decibel Limits: Lowell vs Somerville
How do decibel limits rules compare between Lowell, MA and Somerville, MA?
Lowell and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
View full Lowell rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville uses both plainly-audible standards and numeric decibel caps for specific sources, typically 65 to 75 dBA during day and 55 to 65 dBA at night measured at residential property lines.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective test | Plainly audible at 50 feet | - |
| Objective test | 10 dB(A) above L90 ambient | - |
| State authority | MassDEP Policy 90-001 | - |
| Meter type | ANSI Type 2 sound meter | - |
| Typical ambient | 45-55 dB(A) residential | - |
| Residential day limit | - | Approximately 65 dBA |
| Residential night limit | - | Approximately 55 dBA |
| Commercial day limit | - | 70 to 75 dBA |
| Leaf blower cap | - | 65 dBA at 50 feet |
| Measurement by | - | ISD and Somerville Police |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lowell FAQ
Is there a specific nighttime dB limit?
No fixed number; the plainly-audible-at-property-line test effectively caps most residential noise below 50 dB(A) at night.
Can I request a sound measurement?
Yes. Lowell Code Enforcement or MassDEP can be requested to conduct measurements for persistent complaints.
Somerville FAQ
Do the limits apply to HVAC units?
Yes. Fixed mechanical equipment is among the most-measured sources and often requires acoustic enclosures to meet nighttime limits.
Is the plainly-audible test subjective?
Somewhat, but it is legally valid and often used as the first enforcement step before a formal dBA measurement.
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