Newton, MA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Generator noise cap
- 90 dB(A)
- Site-wide cumulative cap
- 90 dB(A)
- Measurement distance
- 50 feet from source
- Construction hours
- 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays
- Sundays/holidays
- banned without a permit
- Fine
- up to $300 per day
Summary
Newton caps portable generators used on construction and demolition sites at 90 dB(A) under Sec. 20-13(g)(2), measured 50 feet from the generator or from the nearest lot line, whichever distance is smaller. The cap applies alongside a site-wide rule that total construction noise from all equipment running at once cannot exceed 90 dB(A).
(2) Construction and demolition. The cumulative noise level of all construction and demolition on one site at any one time shall not exceed 90dB(A). No individual piece of equipment shall exceed a maximum noise level of 90 dB(A). ... Maximum noise level dB(A) permitted: Backhoe, bulldozer, concrete mixer, dump truck, loader, paver, pneumatic tools, roller, scraper ......................................................................... 90 Air compressor ....................................................... 85 Generator ................................................................ 90 Electric drills, sanders, saws (except chainsaws) or other power tools of all types, whether hand held or otherwise .......................................................... 75 Noise measurements shall be made at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the source, or from the nearest lot line, whichever distance is less.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 20-13(g)(2) groups generators with other construction and demolition equipment. The section states: "The cumulative noise level of all construction and demolition on one site at any one time shall not exceed 90dB(A). " The accompanying table lists "Generator" at 90 dB(A) alongside backhoes, bulldozers, concrete mixers, dump trucks, loaders, pavers, pneumatic tools, rollers, and scrapers, all capped at the same level. Air compressors get a lower 85 dB(A) ceiling, and hand-held or stationary power tools other than chainsaws are capped at 75 dB(A). Measurements are taken 50 feet from the generator or from the nearest lot line, whichever distance is less, using a Type I or II ANSI A-weighted meter required under subsection (g)(7).
If the generator produces an audible tonal hum, subsection (g)(4) lowers the effective ceiling by 5 dB(A). Newton layers its general construction-hours curfew on top of the decibel cap: under Sec. m. Saturdays, and is banned outright on Sundays and legal holidays unless the Mayor's designee issues a permit under subsection (i). A backup generator run during a power outage falls outside this construction/demolition table but must still avoid causing measurable noise pollution under the general Sec. 20-13(e) standard.
Violations & Fines
Running a generator above 90 dB(A) on a job site, or outside the permitted construction hours, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 20-13(k) with a fine up to $300, and each day is treated as a separate offense. The Police Department and Inspectional Services Department both take complaints and must record the outcome in a public log under Sec. 20-13(l).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a construction generator be in Newton?
Can a contractor run a generator on Sundays in Newton?
What if two generators together make a site louder than 90 dB(A)?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newton
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Generator Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle generator noise.