Construction hours in Boston, MA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Boston limits construction to weekdays only, 7 AM to 6 PM, with no weekend or holiday work unless an Off Hours Permit is obtained from Inspectional Services.
BMC 16-26.4 prohibits erection, demolition, alteration, repair, or excavation of any building except between 7 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Weekend and holiday construction requires an Off Hours Permit from the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, renewable weekly. Applications must be submitted by noon Thursday. Each permit costs $100. Domestic power equipment is typically allowed 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 7 PM weekends per state guidelines.
Fine of $300 per offense. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. Off Hours Permit required for any work outside standard hours.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle construction hours.
See how Boston's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.
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