Quiet Hours: Lowell vs Somerville
How do quiet hours rules compare between Lowell, MA and Somerville, MA?
Lowell has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and Code Enforcement.
View full Lowell rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville enforces nighttime quiet hours under its noise control ordinance, restricting loud sounds audible at property lines during late-night and early-morning periods across this densely populated Boston-metro city.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet hours | 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | - |
| Audibility rule | Plainly audible beyond 50 feet | - |
| State authority | MGL c.40 s.21 | MGL c.40 s.21 |
| Report to | Lowell 311 or LPD non-emergency | - |
| Max fine | Up to 300 dollars per violation | - |
| Weeknight quiet hours | - | 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM |
| Weekend quiet hours | - | 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM |
| Report issues | - | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 |
| Base fine | - | 100 dollars per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lowell FAQ
Are Sunday hours different?
No. Lowell applies the same 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. quiet hours every day of the week, though weekend enforcement tends to be complaint-driven.
Can I call police for a loud neighbor?
Yes. Call the Lowell Police non-emergency line at (978) 937-3200 or use Lowell 311. Officers can issue warnings or citations on scene.
Somerville FAQ
Who enforces quiet hours in Somerville?
Somerville Police Department responds to active nighttime noise complaints; Inspectional Services handles ongoing nuisance cases. Call 311 or the non-emergency line.
Are quiet hours different on weekends?
Yes. Morning quiet hours extend until 9:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays rather than the 7:00 AM weekday cutoff.
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