Somerville, MA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Somerville, 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
- Loudspeaker/PA curfew
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Sec. 9-116(12)
- Radio/stereo curfew
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Sec. 9-116(13)
- Decibel table
- Sec. 9-117, varies by district/time
- Enforcement basis
- Noncriminal disposition, M.G.L. c. 40 § 21D
- Enforcing officials
- Police chief, Inspectional Services superintendent
Summary
Somerville bars loudspeakers and PA systems from running between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and radios, stereos, and other sound amplifiers between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. if they create a noise disturbance. Section 9-116(12)-(13) sets the cutoffs.
Loudspeakers and public address system. Unless otherwise permitted by a duly authorized agent of the city, using or operating for any purpose any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device (1) such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance; or (2) between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... Radios, television sets, musical instruments, and similar devices. Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Ordinances: Revision - CodeBank PDF Post).
Full Breakdown
Section 9-116 of the Code of Ordinances treats amplified sound as two separate disturbances. , a flat curfew regardless of volume. in a manner that creates a noise disturbance. for sounds lasting under ten minutes. Whether amplified music crosses the line is measured against the Section 9-114 factors: volume, time of day, duration, whether the sound is recurring, and its proximity to residential sleeping areas, so a backyard party with a speaker can violate the ordinance even before the numeric curfew hits if it is loud enough to be a disturbance earlier in the evening.
Violations & Fines
The chief of police, the superintendent of Inspectional Services, and their designated agents enforce these sections through noncriminal disposition under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21D, with each violation a separate offense and fines set under the Section 1-11 general penalty schedule. Courts remain available for equitable relief on top of the noncriminal citation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does amplified music have to stop in Somerville?
Can a Somerville business use an outdoor PA system at any volume before 10 p.m.?
Who enforces Somerville's amplified sound curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Somerville
Compare Somerville to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle amplified music & outdoor sound.