5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
No single Plymouth County quiet-hours rule exists. Each town sets its own noise bylaw under MGL c.40 §21(22), the statute authorizing bylaws for controlling and abating noise from any source. Brockton and Plymouth enforce nighttime limits.
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 hours are fixed by each town's bylaw under MGL c.40 §21(22), the statute authorizing noise bylaws. Plymouth, Marshfield, and Scituate limit powered work to daytime; Hingham and Duxbury bar Sunday construction. No county-wide schedule exists.
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 Plymouth County resident can petition the town selectboard or Brockton's hearing authority for an 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 town bylaws under MGL c.40 §21(22), not the county. South Shore towns including Duxbury, Hingham, and Scituate restrict gas blowers by season and hour. 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 is governed by town noise bylaws under MGL c.40 §21(22) and disturbing-the-peace law, MGL c.272 §53. Brockton, Plymouth, and Wareham require permits for outdoor amplified events; residential parties must meet bylaw limits.
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.
1 cities in Plymouth County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Plymouth County Ordinance Hub →