Showing ordinances that apply to Townsend, MA
Townsend is an unincorporated community (population 1,213) in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Because Townsend is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Middlesex County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The aircraft noise rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Aircraft noise in Middlesex County comes from Hanscom Field (Bedford), Logan International flight paths, and Laurence G. Hanscom Air Force Base. FAA preempts local noise regulation of aircraft in flight.
Middlesex County sits under major flight corridors for Boston Logan International Airport (in East Boston, Suffolk County, but with arrival/departure paths crossing Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, and beyond). Hanscom Field in Bedford is the region's main general aviation airport, and Hanscom AFB adjoins it. Federal law (49 USC 40103 and FAA Part 150) preempts local regulation of aircraft in flight, so cities and towns cannot set altitude or flight-path rules. Massport operates Hanscom under a voluntary noise abatement program with recommended quiet hours 11pm to 7am for jet departures, and published noise-preferred runways. Logan has a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program with soundproofing for eligible homes under the 65 DNL contour, which has occasionally extended into East Boston-adjacent Middlesex communities. Noise complaints go to Massport's noise hotline at 617-561-3333 or online.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Townsend's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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