Lowell, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Lowell Code Sec. 204-3 (Sound-level limits) and Sec. 204-3F (Zones of quiet)
- Residential range
- 40-50 dB(A) depending on time of day
- Industrial daytime
- Up to 70 dB(A)
- Zone of quiet
- 300 ft around every hospital, school, church
- Tolerance
- Violation only when exceeded 'by five decibels or more'
Summary
Lowell Code Section 204-3 sets a full district-by-time dBA table (residential 40-50 dB(A), industrial up to 70 dB(A) daytime), measured at the property boundary. Section 204-3F establishes 'zones of quiet' within 300 feet of every hospital, school or church, plus temporary illness quiet zones, where loud or unusual noise from vehicles is barred.
All of the territory within 300 feet of the premises of each hospital, school, or church in this City is hereby created and established as a zone of quiet. The Commissioner of Public Works is hereby authorized to erect and maintain in a conspicuous manner within this area such signs bearing the words 'Quiet Zone' and other markings as are necessary to designate it as a zone of quiet. ... No person operating a vehicle within any designated and posted zone of quiet shall sound a horn or other warning device on the vehicle or make any loud or unusual noise in such a zone except in an emergency.
Full Breakdown
Lowell's metered standard lives in Section 204-3. It is unlawful to exceed the listed limit 'by five decibels or more' at any point on a property's real-property boundary. ) up to 70 dB(A) (heavy industry / office park, daytime). Where ambient noise from non-identifiable sources is higher than the table, the ceiling becomes five decibels above ambient; where two districts share a boundary, the limit is the arithmetic mean of the two. Section 204-3F (Zones of quiet) declares 'all of the territory within 300 feet of the premises of each hospital, school, or church in this City' a zone of quiet, marked with 'Quiet Zone' signs by the Commissioner of Public Works; the Commissioner may also establish a temporary 'Illness Quiet Zone' within 300 feet of a seriously ill person's building. ' Noise-sensitive areas (within 300 feet of a school, church, hospital, nursing home or funeral home) are defined in Section 204-2.
Violations & Fines
First violation: written warning, cease within 10 minutes. Second/subsequent: $100 per offense by noncriminal disposition under MGL c. 40, Section 21D; each day a separate violation (Section 204-6). Measurement is by an approved sound-level meter operated by Police or Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'zone of quiet' in Lowell?
How much over the dBA limit triggers a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lowell
Compare Lowell to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle decibel limits.