The Boston APCC noise regulation sets a daytime limit of 70 dBA and a nighttime limit of 50 dBA at residential property lines, plus a plainly audible standard at 50 feet.
Boston uses a dual enforcement standard. The APCC measures decibels at the receiving property line with a calibrated Type 2 sound meter. Daytime (7 AM to 11 PM) the limit is 70 dBA in residential districts, and nighttime (11 PM to 7 AM) it drops to 50 dBA. New sources may not exceed ambient by more than 10 dBA. In business and industrial districts the daytime cap is 75 dBA. A secondary plainly audible test lets police enforce on the spot without a meter when sound is audible 50 feet from the source. Impulse noise like power hammering has separate peak limits.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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