Chicopee, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

The numeric decibel test in Chicopee sits in § 200-4(B) of Chapter 200, Noise. It applies inside § 200-4, which covers boom boxes and audio equipment, so the readings are the yardstick for amplified sound from a boom box, radio amplification or any audio equipment in a parked or moving motor vehicle. The code says an unreasonable loud noise is a sound greater than 50 decibels in the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 70 decibels at other times.

Where the meter goes matters. The reading is taken at the property line of where the unreasonable noise originates, not at the complainant's window. The ordinance adds a second, meter-free test: any sound discernible at a distance of 100 feet is also unreasonably loud. Both tests carry the same carve-out for sound authorized by a permit or license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the City, or by permission of the Chief of Police. The definition was amended 2-23-2023 by Ord. No. 23-3.

There is one more decibel figure in the chapter. Under § 200-3(F), loud or excessive noise connected with loading or unloading a vehicle, or opening bales, boxes, crates and containers, means 70 decibels or more for a period in excess of 4 hours. Chapter 200 does not print zone-by-zone decibel tables for Residence, Business or Industrial districts, so the 50 and 70 figures do not change with zoning.

Beyond the numbers, § 200-2 prohibits the creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise, and noise of such character, intensity and duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual or contrary to the public welfare. Section 200-6 gives enforcement to the Chicopee Police Department, Building Department and Health Department, and fines a person or entity $25 per day for failing to comply with §§ 200-2, 200-3 and 200-5, with each day a separate offense. The amplified-sound violations in § 200-4(A) carry $50, $100 and $300 fines for a first, second and third or later offense within a one-year period. Section 200-1 exempts an organ, radio, bell, chimes or other instrument used by a church, synagogue or school.