Fall River, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Fall River, Massachusetts, does not print a residential or nighttime decibel table in Chapter 86. The numeric sound standard sits in § 86-406(I), the site standards for wind energy facilities, and it borrows the state benchmark: the facility and its associated equipment must conform with the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Air Quality Noise Regulations (310 CMR 7.10), unless DEP and the permit granting authority agree those provisions do not apply.

The code then states the test in two parts. A source of sound is in violation if it increases the broadband sound level by more than 10 dB(A) above ambient, or if it produces a "pure tone" condition, meaning an octave band center frequency sound pressure level exceeds the two adjacent center frequency sound pressure levels by three decibels or more. Both criteria are measured at the property line and at the nearest inhabited structure, and the permit granting authority, in consultation with DEP, decides whether a violation is measured at the property line or at the nearest inhabited residence.

Ambient is defined as the background A-weighted sound level that is exceeded 90% of the time measured during equipment hours. The ambient can also be established by other means with DEP's consent. When the permit granting authority requires it, the applicant must present an analysis prepared by a qualified engineer showing compliance with the noise standards.

The division covers utility-scale and on-site wind facilities, small wind energy systems and building-integrated wind systems, and it does not apply to off-shore wind systems (§ 86-404(B)). Wind turbines built primarily for commercial agriculture are exempt from the chapter (§ 86-405(A)). Small wind systems are allowed in the Industrial Park, Open Space/Recreational and Water Resource districts with a building permit from the Inspector of Buildings (§ 86-408(A)), and a facility over 100 kilowatts of rated nameplate capacity needs a special permit (§ 86-409(A)).

Outside the wind division, the zoning chapter's noise standard is § 86-461, which bars any use that is noxious, offensive or hazardous by reason of vibration or noise and attaches no decibel figure.