Quiet Hours: New Bedford vs Somerset
How do quiet hours rules compare between New Bedford, MA and Somerset, MA?
New Bedford and Somerset have similar restriction levels.
New Bedford, MA
Bristol County
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is declared a public nuisance. The city's waterfront and fishing port generate continuous harbor activity in the South End.
View full New Bedford rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Bristol County unincorporated areas follow Massachusetts state noise regulations under 310 CMR 7.10, which prohibits sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line. Individual towns within the county may adopt their own noise ordinances. The Board of Health in each town has authority under MGL Ch. 111 §31C to regulate noise.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Bedford | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| State Standard | 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10) | 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10) |
| Nuisance Standard | Disturbing the peace of a neighborhood | - |
| Enforcement | New Bedford Police Department | Local police and Board of Health |
| Waterfront | Active commercial fishing port | - |
| Authority | - | Town Boards of Health (MGL Ch. 111 §31C) |
| County Role | - | No county-level noise ordinance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Bedford FAQ
What are the quiet hours in New Bedford?
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is declared a public nuisance. The city's waterfront and fishing port generate continuous harbor activity in the South End.
What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in New Bedford?
State Standard: 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10). Nuisance Standard: Disturbing the peace of a neighborhood. Enforcement: New Bedford Police Department. Waterfront: Active commercial fishing port.
Somerset FAQ
What are the quiet hours in Bristol County?
Bristol County unincorporated areas follow Massachusetts state noise regulations under 310 CMR 7.10, which prohibits sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line. Individual towns within the county may adopt their own noise ordinances. The Board of Health in each town...
What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in Bristol County?
State Standard: 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10). Authority: Town Boards of Health (MGL Ch. 111 §31C). County Role: No county-level noise ordinance. Enforcement: Local police and Board of Health.
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