Aircraft noise from Logan International Airport is regulated by the FAA and Massport, not Cambridge; residents in Logan noise contours can participate in sound insulation programs.
Cambridge sits within the Logan International Airport noise contour zone, particularly northeast and east-side neighborhoods affected by Runway 33L and 27 departures. Aircraft noise is preempted from local regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990. Cambridge therefore does not have the authority to set aircraft noise limits. However, residents may participate in the Massport Residential Sound Insulation Program if their home falls within the 65 DNL (Day-Night Level) contour, which provides window and door upgrades at no cost. Cambridge itself restricts rooftop helicopter landings except for medical and emergency use, under zoning. Noise complaints about specific flights should be directed to the Massport Noise Complaint Line. The Cambridge Climate and Environment Department tracks contour data for planning purposes.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge reserves designated EV charging station spaces for actively charging electric vehicles only, and new large developments must provide EV-ready parki...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge prohibits parking on all public streets between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM year-round, one of the strictest overnight parking bans in the region, with tic...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge operates a strict Resident Parking Permit system covering most city streets, requiring registered Cambridge residents to display a valid permit to ...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards; taller fences require a special permit from Inspectional Serv...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge does not impose breed-specific restrictions; Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Section 157A prohibits cities from regulating dogs based on breed.
Cambridge, MA
Backyard fires are heavily restricted in Cambridge. Only small contained cooking fires in UL-listed devices are allowed, with no open ground fires and no bru...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle aircraft noise.
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