Brockton, MA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Brockton City Code § 14-50(g)(1)c
- Emergency backup generators
- Exempt from noise code at all times
- Non-emergency generator noise
- Subject to 50 dBA nighttime cap
- First violation
- Written warning only
- Repeat violation fine
- $300 per offense
- Enforcing agency
- Brockton Police Department
Summary
Emergency standby and backup generator noise is exempt from Brockton's noise ordinance at all times under Sec. 14-50(g)(1)c. Non-emergency generator use still falls under the citywide 50-decibel nighttime cap.
c.Noise created by fire alarms, or noise created by emergency equipment, including but not limited to emergency standby or backup equipment, and emergency work necessary in the interests of law enforcement or of the health, safety or welfare of the community, and including, but not limited to, any emergency work necessary to replace or repair essential utility services;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Brockton's noise-control ordinance, Sec. 14-50, exempts a specific list of sources from its general restrictions. " That language covers a home or business backup generator running during a power outage: it is exempt from the noise code regardless of the hour or decibel level. m. m. Friday and Saturday, with a hard cap of 50 decibels measured from 50 feet away or the nearest lot line. Complaints go to the Brockton Police Department, which uses standard electronic sound meters and logs the date, time, place and decibel reading of any confirmed violation, mailing a copy of the warning to the property's owner of record within seven days.
Violations & Fines
A first substantiated complaint in a 12-month period results only in a written police warning. Each subsequent violation within that same 12 months carries a $300 civil penalty, enforceable as a noncriminal civil infraction under M.G.L. c. 40, § 21D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a backup generator during a power outage in Brockton at night?
Does the generator exemption cover routine testing or non-emergency use?
What's the penalty for excessive generator noise in Brockton?
Who measures generator noise complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brockton
Compare Brockton to another location·View the Massachusetts noise from specific sources overview
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