Quiet Hours: Somerville vs Waltham
How do quiet hours rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Waltham has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham enforces nighttime quiet hours under Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code, with stricter limits in residential zones near Brandeis and Bentley campuses.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Weeknight quiet hours | 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM | - |
| Weekend quiet hours | 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM | - |
| State authority | MGL c.40 s.21 | - |
| Report issues | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 | - |
| Base fine | 100 dollars per violation | - |
| Weekday Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM to 7 AM |
| Weekend Quiet Hours | - | 10 PM to 8 AM |
| Enforcement | - | Waltham Police non-emergency |
| State Authority | - | MGL c.40 s.21 |
| Max Fine | - | Up to 300 dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Waltham FAQ
Can I call police for a loud neighbor at 11 PM?
Yes, Waltham Police accept noise complaints during quiet hours via 781-314-3600.
Do quiet hours apply to college housing?
Yes, off-campus rentals near Brandeis and Bentley must comply with citywide quiet hours.
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