5 rules for unincorporated Essex County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Essex County communities set quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., barring noise audible from a neighboring property or street during those hours under local noise ordinances.
MGL c.40 §21(22)
For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
Construction and demolition noise is limited to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays across Essex County, with work prohibited on Sundays and legal holidays.
MGL c.40 §21(22)
For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
A dog whose excessive barking disturbs a neighbor's quiet enjoyment is a nuisance dog under state law; any resident may file a written complaint triggering a hearing before the city or town.
MGL c.140 §136A
''Nuisance dog'', a dog that: (i) by excessive barking or other disturbance, is a source of annoyance to a sick person residing in the vicinity; or (ii) by excessive barking, causing damage or other interference, a reasonable person would find such behavior disruptive to one's quiet and peaceful enjoyment; or (iii) has threatened or attacked livestock, a domestic animal or a person, but such th...
Essex County towns limit leaf-blower operation to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and coastal communities including Marblehead ban gas-powered blowers during the summer months.
MGL c.40 §21(22)
For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
Amplified music that is plainly audible at a neighbor's property line, or at all after 10 p.m., violates Essex County noise ordinances; outdoor amplified events also require an entertainment license.
MGL c.40 §21(22)
For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
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