Everett, MA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

The Everett City Council, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, prints no frequency band, hertz figure or bass-specific limit in Section 13A-62 or in Section 13-7. Bass is regulated through two general standards, and the first is a hearing test. Under Section 13A-62(g)(14), the use, operation or playing of any radio, stereo, phonograph, musical instrument or other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound or music between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM is a violation when the sound is plainly audible at the property line of the building, structure or apartment in which the device is located. The test is measured at the line of the unit housing the device, not inside the complainant's home, and it needs no instrument.

The second layer is the general prohibition in the same subsection: no person shall make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud and unnecessary sound or noise tending to annoy, disturb or deny expectation of quiet enjoyment to a person of ordinary sensibilities in or about any public street, highway, alley, park or private residence. Section 13A-62(b)(1) also treats any act or condition that substantially annoys or endangers the comfort, repose or expectation of quiet enjoyment of the public as a public nuisance once it continues for a length of time.

Section 13-7 adds a measured limit of 50 dBA between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. at the lot line, verified by police with a sound level meter. Section 13A-9 sets the sequence for the civil route: a warning, a written follow-up within two weeks, and a re-inspection within thirty days, unless the case is repeat or high risk.