Haverhill, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

City Code § 182-4 does the numeric work for Haverhill's whole noise chapter: Subsection A bars anyone from making "any unreasonable or excessive noise, by or from whatever means or from whatever source," and Subsection B supplies the numbers that define that phrase. "dBa" is defined as "A-weighted sound level in decibels, as measured by a general purpose sound level meter complying with the provisions of the American National Standard Institute Specifications for Sound Level Meter, properly calibrated, and operated on the 'A' weighting network," so enforcement depends on a calibrated meter reading, not an officer's impression.

"Unreasonable or excessive noise" is then defined two ways, either one of which is enough: noise measured in excess of 50 dBa between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or in excess of 70 dBa at all other hours, or, separately, any noise "plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet" from its source, with a stricter 100-foot audibility test named specifically for "loud amplification devices or similar equipment." Chapter 182 defines that term in the same subsection as a radio, television, phonograph, stereo or loudspeaker operated so as to create unreasonable or excessive noise.

A first violation of § 182-4 is fined $50 under § 182-15A, with the fine climbing to $100 for a second violation by the same landlord or resident within twelve months and $300 for every violation after that.