Quincy, MA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Quincy, MA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Amplified-sound exemption
- None: must meet dBA limits
- Non-amplified event window
- 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Governing limits
- § 215-4 maximum dBA table
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Inspectional Services
Summary
Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) exempts permitted street events from its noise chapter only when the sound is not electronically amplified, so amplified music or voice stays subject to the city's maximum dBA limits.
Sound, not electronically amplified, created between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. by sports, amusements, or entertainment events or other public gatherings operating according to the requirements of the appropriate permit or licensing authority. This includes athletic contests, carnivals, fairgrounds, parades, band and orchestra activities, and public celebrations, except in areas designated noise-sensitive areas.
E. Noise sources associated with routine residential living during daytime hours, such as home workshops, power tools, and power lawn and garden equipment, when used in accordance with manufacturer specifications. This exception does not apply to repairs or maintenance on a motor vehicle that is not registered for use on public roads and/or amplified sound originating from a home entertainment system, television, stereo or similar electronic device.
F. Boats operated in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).
Full Breakdown
Quincy Municipal Code § 215-8(D) exempts sound from permitted sports, amusement, and entertainment events (athletic contests, carnivals, parades, band and orchestra activities, public celebrations) held 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from the noise chapter, but only when that sound is 'not electronically amplified.' Amplified music or voice at an event therefore does not qualify for the exemption and remains governed by the maximum allowable noise levels set in § 215-4.
Violations & Fines
Running amplified music or a PA system at an outdoor event above the § 215-4 dBA limits is a violation even if the event itself is permitted, since § 215-8(D)'s exemption applies only to non-amplified sound; enforcement is by the Department of Inspectional Services under § 215-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Quincy exempt amplified music at street fairs or parades from the noise ordinance?
Can amplified sound at a permitted Quincy event exceed the noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Quincy
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