Taunton, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Taunton Code Chapter 315, Noise
- Evening residential cap (under 10 min)
- 75 db, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Overnight residential limit (over 2 hrs)
- 50 db, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Non-residential overnight cap (over 2 hrs)
- 40 db
- First-offense fine
- $100
- Enforcement agencies
- Police Chief, Building Commissioner, Director of Public Health
- Lawn equipment hours
- 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. weekdays (§ 315-8)
Summary
Taunton caps outdoor sound under Chapter 315 with a decibel table keyed to time of day and district: up to 75 db in residential areas on early evenings, tightening to 40 db in other districts overnight for sounds lasting over two hours. The Police Chief, Building Commissioner and Director of Public Health enforce it citywide.
Any activity not expressly exempted by this chapter which creates or produces sound, regardless of frequency, exceeding the ambient noise levels at the property line of any property or, if a condominium or apartment house, within any adjoining apartment above the ambient noise levels as designated in the following table, at the time and place and for the duration then mentioned, shall be deemed to be a violation of this chapter, but the following enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive: Duration of Sound 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (all districts) 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (residential districts) 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (residential districts) 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (all other districts) Less than 10 minutes 75 db 70 db 60 db Between 10 minutes and 2 hours 70 db 60 db 50 db In excess of 2 hours 60 db 50 db 40 db
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4508986; v12 updated 2025-09-22; through 09-22-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 315-7 of the Taunton Code sets maximum sound levels measured at the property line, keyed to duration of sound and time period. across all districts the table sets no separate ceiling, but longer disturbances draw restrictions elsewhere in the chapter. in residential districts cap out at 75 db for sounds under 10 minutes, 70 db for sounds between 10 minutes and two hours, and 60 db for anything exceeding two hours. in residential districts, the ceiling drops further to 70 db, 60 db and 50 db for the same three duration bands.
, topping out at 60 db, 50 db and 40 db depending on duration. Section 315-7B provides that sounds measured in a residential district are violative of the section regardless of where they originate, and Sundays and holidays run on the strictest residential column all day. Section 315-6 makes it unlawful to exceed these levels unless the noise is reasonably necessary to preserve life, health, safety or property. on weekends and holidays, unless the equipment meets the § 315-7 table. Enforcement personnel under § 315-11 are the Police Chief, the Building Commissioner, the Director of Public Health and their designees.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Chapter 315 carries a fine of up to $100, a second offense up to $200, and each subsequent offense up to $300 under § 315-9. After a third offense, any municipal license held by the violator does not automatically renew. Each separate occurrence is treated as a distinct offense, and the City may still pursue nuisance abatement remedies under § 315-10 in addition to the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum decibel level allowed at night in a Taunton residential neighborhood?
Who enforces Taunton's noise decibel limits?
Are lawn mowers and power tools covered by the decibel table?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Taunton
Compare Taunton to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle decibel limits.