Massachusetts regulates industrial and commercial noise statewide through the Department of Environmental Protection under the Air Pollution Control regulations, prohibiting noise that creates a condition of air pollution.
Under 310 CMR 7.10, MassDEP defines unreasonable noise as sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line or any inhabited residence, or producing a pure tone condition. This applies to all stationary sources statewide including factories, HVAC equipment, generators, and commercial operations. DEP Policy 90-001 establishes measurement methodology. Enforcement is shared between DEP and local boards of health.
Civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under MGL c. 111, Section 142A; cease and desist orders; equipment shutdown.
Bristol County, MA
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted ...
Bristol County, MA
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115....
Bristol County, MA
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunto...
Bristol County, MA
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, an...
Bristol County, MA
Bristol County is not in a high wildfire-hazard zone like western states, but DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control enforces MGL ch. 48 §13 open-burning rules. F...
Bristol County, MA
Artificial turf allowed in Bristol County residential yards. No permit unless grading changes. Some Massachusetts communities have restricted synthetic turf ...
See how Acushnet Center's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.