Taunton, MA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Taunton, 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
- Covered devices
- Radios, TVs, phonographs, musical instruments
- Nighttime presumption
- 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. at property line
- Standard
- Louder than needed for voluntary listeners
- Fine
- $100 to $300 by offense number
- Exemptions
- Permitted school, park and licensed events
Summary
Taunton bars playing a radio, television, phonograph or other sound-producing device loudly enough to disturb neighbors, or louder than needed for voluntary listeners to hear it comfortably. Running such a device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a way that disturbs a normal person at the property line is automatic evidence of a violation.
(2) Radios, phonographs and similar devices. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated of any radio receiving set, television set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are voluntary listeners thereto. The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be disturbing to a normal person at the property line shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this subsection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4508986; v12 updated 2025-09-22; through 09-22-2025).
Full Breakdown
C(2) of the Taunton Noise Ordinance covers radios, television sets, musical instruments, phonographs and other sound-reproducing devices. It is unlawful to use, operate or permit one to be played in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants, or at any time with a louder volume than necessary for convenient hearing by the people who are voluntarily listening to it. in a manner disturbing to a normal person measured at the property line counts as prima facie evidence of a violation, meaning the City does not have to separately prove intent or excessive volume during those hours once disturbance at the property line is shown.
The rule sits inside Chapter 315's broader intent clause, Section 315-1, which limits enforcement to preventable and unnecessary noise and directs that customary, everyday urban noise is not meant to be swept in. Certain uses are carved out entirely: Section 315-5 exempts noise from lawful school, playground, park and athletic-contest activities during their normal operating hours, and exempts any business use or activity specifically authorized under a City board, commission or Municipal Council permit or license, which can cover a permitted outdoor concert or licensed event.
Violations & Fines
A Section 315-2.C(2) violation is punished under the Chapter 315 fine schedule in Section 315-9: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $300 for a third or later offense, each occurrence charged separately. The Police Chief, Building Commissioner and Director of Public Health, or their designees, are authorized to enforce it under Section 315-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fined for playing music too loud in Taunton?
Does Taunton's amplified sound rule apply during the day?
Are permitted events exempt from Taunton's noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Taunton
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.