Springfield, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- audible at 100 feet
- Zoning-permitted noise
- given due consideration
- Fine range
- $100-$300
- Applies to
- businesses and industry
Summary
Springfield's citywide noise ordinance covers businesses and industry too, but requires enforcement to weigh the character of the zoning and the customary noise of zoning-permitted operations before penalizing them.
In all applications of this chapter, due consideration shall be given to the character of the zoning, and the customary and natural noise incident to the operation of businesses or industries permitted by zoning so as not to work an undue hardship upon lawful business and industrial establishments.
C. The provisions of this chapter shall be in addition to and shall not disturb either the right of the City, if such, or the right of individuals affected by the violation of this chapter to pursue any other remedy for the abatement of a nuisance or any other remedy which might or could be available under the law.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 259-2 makes Chapter 259's noise limits apply to 'all sound originating within the limits of the City of Springfield,' naming engine-powered equipment, pile drivers, jackhammers, and other construction and industrial gear. § 259-2(B) then tempers that: enforcement must give due consideration to the character of the zoning and the customary noise incident to businesses or industries permitted by zoning, so as not to work an undue hardship on lawful establishments. The same 100-foot 'unreasonable noise' definition in § 259-1 still applies, and violations run $100 to $300 under § 259-12.
Violations & Fines
A business or factory whose equipment is plainly audible 100 feet away can still be cited under §§ 259-1 and 259-2, though zoning-permitted industrial noise gets due consideration before a fine of $100-$300 issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Springfield factories exempt from the noise ordinance?
What noise level triggers a citation for a Springfield business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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