Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
Industrial and commercial noise in Cambridge is governed by Chapter 8.16 of the Municipal Code, which adopts numerical limits consistent with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Policy 90-001. At the property line of any receiving residential use, sound levels may not exceed 60 dBA during daytime (7 AM to 10 PM) or 50 dBA at night (10 PM to 7 AM). Pure tones, bass, and impulsive sounds have an additional 5 dBA penalty. This applies to rooftop HVAC, biotech lab exhaust fans, generators, and data center cooling in Kendall Square and other mixed-use areas. New facilities must submit noise impact analyses as part of special permits under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. MassDEP and Cambridge Inspectional Services share enforcement; violations can trigger abatement orders, fines, and suspension of occupancy permits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cambridge, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle industrial noise.
See how Cambridge's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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