Amplified music rules in Lowell, MA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Lowell Code Section 204-4C(12) makes it unlawful to operate any radio, stereo, loudspeaker, instrument or other sound-reproducing device so as to disturb a reasonable person; operating such a device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so that it is plainly audible 50 feet away is prima facie evidence of a violation. Outdoor amplified public entertainment is separately barred without a License Commission permit (Section 204-3E).
Lowell controls amplified sound through two provisions of Chapter 204. Section 204-4C(12) (Radios and other such devices) prohibits playing or operating 'any sound production or reproduction device, radio receiving set, musical instrument, drums, stereo, television set, loudspeakers, sound amplifiers or other machine or device' so as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of a reasonable person of normal sensitivity in any residence or in the vicinity, and creates a bright-line evidentiary rule: operation between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is 'plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle from which the sound emanates shall be prima facie evidence of a violation.' Section 204-4C(13) separately bans loudspeakers/amplifiers used on public streets for commercial advertising. For organized outdoor events, Section 204-3E (Outdoor places of public entertainment, added 3-28-2006) provides that 'except by a special events permit obtained through the License Commission, there shall be no amplification allowed in places of outdoor public entertainment,' and caps event hours at 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10:00 a.m.-12:00 midnight Thursday through Saturday. Indoor entertainment venues may not sustain 95 dB(A) or more for over 30 seconds (Section 204-3E(1)).
First violation: written warning, cease within 10 minutes (Section 204-6A(4)). Second/subsequent: $100 per offense by noncriminal disposition under MGL c. 40, Section 21D (Section 204-6A(5)). Outdoor amplification without a License Commission special events permit is independently unlawful under Section 204-3E.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lowell, MA
Lowell driveway curb cuts require a DPW permit, paving is recommended for dust control, and front-yard parking on lawns is prohibited under the zoning code.
Lowell, MA
Lowell Code of Ordinances sec. 266-73.1 prohibits parking any recreational vehicle, auto home, mobile home, boat trailer, semitrailer or combined vehicle-and...
Lowell, MA
Under MGL c.90 s.22D, Lowell can tow and dispose of abandoned vehicles left on public or private property for more than 72 hours after notice.
Lowell, MA
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top) require engineered plans and a building permit in Lowell.
Lowell, MA
Lowell sets no numeric per-household limit on the number of dogs or cats a resident may keep; instead, every dog over six months must be licensed and larger ...
Lowell, MA
Larger livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and cattle are generally prohibited on standard residential lots in Lowell without a Zoning Board specia...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle amplified music & events.
See how Lowell's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.