Southborough, MA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Generators appear in § 130-5(B), the emergency-activities exemption in the Noise bylaw. Section 130-5 opens by stating that the noise limits in the bylaw do not apply to noise emitted by or related to the listed activities. Item B lists storm cleanup, power outages, snow removal, and use of generators, and attaches one condition: to the extent practical or feasible, the equipment is to be operated with a working muffler and/or a sound reduction device while in use. The printed condition is a muffler or sound reduction device, not a decibel limit or an hour limit.

The exemption sits next to a separate emergency-sound exemption in § 130-5(A), which covers sound that alerts persons to an emergency or that is made in emergency work or in training exercises related to emergency activities, including any vehicle, device, or equipment used in emergency work.

Noise that no exemption covers is measured against the exterior standard in § 130-3(A). It makes it unlawful to create or allow any loud noise on property one owns, leases, occupies, or otherwise controls that causes an unreasonable disturbance beyond the property line that disturbs the peace. The Police Department enforces Chapter 130 under § 130-7(A), and § 130-2 defines the Enforcement Official as a duly designated police officer. The Select Board can grant a temporary exception of no more than three days under § 130-7(D), sets its own application procedures, and can require notification of all abutters within 300 feet of the exception location.