Somerville, MA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Section 9-116 of the Code of Ordinances lists specific acts declared to be loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises, and item (1) targets HVAC equipment directly: it is unlawful for any person to maintain refrigeration machinery or air conditioning, including air compressors or rotating or reciprocating machinery, in a manner that creates a noise disturbance. That standard sits inside the broader noise control ordinance at Sections 9-112 through 9-119, which was adopted in 2000 and last amended June 8, 2023. for sounds under ten minutes). A homeowner or business running a condenser unit that regularly trips those limits at a neighbor's property line is violating the ordinance regardless of whether the unit is otherwise legally installed.