Framingham, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section 332-5 of the Framingham City Code sets numeric limits for stationary noise sources such as HVAC systems, power generation facilities, industrial equipment, pump stations and commercial plants, measured in dB(A) Leq over a one-minute period at the property line of the receiving property, or the prevailing background level if that reading is louder. Table 1 sets three time bands: daytime (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), evening (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Purely residential receivers, including apartment complexes and retirement homes, are capped at 55 dB(A) by day, 50 dB(A) in the evening and 45 dB(A) at night.

Mixed residential-commercial receivers, such as hotels and hospitals, get 60, 60 and 55 dB(A). Commercial receivers, including retail stores, offices and houses of worship, get 65, 65 and 60 dB(A). Section 332-9 requires any compliance measurement to use a calibrated Type 2 sound level meter following ASTM standards, with the make, model, calibration dates, microphone height and weather conditions all logged in the resulting report. Section 332-10A grandfathers stationary sources already operating lawfully before the October 29, 2019 effective date of Chapter 332, though any new or upgraded equipment brought into service at the same location loses that protection entirely.