5 rules for unincorporated Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Hampshire County government was abolished in 1999, so no county quiet-hours rule exists. Each city or town sets its own noise bylaw under MGL c.40 §21(22). Northampton and Amherst enforce detailed nighttime limits driven by the Five College student scene.
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.
No countywide construction schedule exists in Hampshire County. Each city or town fixes permitted work hours in its noise bylaw under MGL c.40 §21(22). Northampton and Amherst limit powered construction to daytime, with shorter Saturday windows and no Sunday work.
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 is a 'nuisance dog' under MGL c.140 §136A when excessive barking disrupts a reasonable person's quiet enjoyment. Any Hampshire County resident can petition their city or town hearing authority for a restraint order under MGL c.140 §157.
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 thre...
Leaf-blower limits come from city and town bylaws under MGL c.40 §21(22), not any county. Northampton restricts gas blowers by season and hour; other communities apply general noise limits. Massachusetts sets no statewide ban.
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 answers to city and town noise bylaws under MGL c.40 §21(22) and disturbing-the-peace law, MGL c.272 §53. Northampton, a live-music hub, and Amherst require permits for outdoor amplified events; student-party noise near the Five Colleges draws heavy enforcement.
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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