Quiet hours in Fitchburg, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Fitchburg Code Ch. 132, Article VI (Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with a 50 dBA cap; daytime limit is 70 dBA. Construction is restricted from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (50 dBA at residential lot lines). State 310 CMR 7.10 also applies.
Article VI of Chapter 132 (Peace and Good Order) prohibits unreasonable or excessive noise that disturbs the peace, including radios, phonographs, sound-producing devices, or instruments. Numeric standard: noise above 50 dBA between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or above 70 dBA at all other hours, is deemed excessive. Construction equipment, trucks, and machines may not emit noise above 50 dBA measured at the residential lot line between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Massachusetts DEP regulation 310 CMR 7.10 separately bars noise that exceeds background by 10 dBA or causes a pure tone.
First offense: $50 fine under Ch. 132 Art. VI. Repeat violations escalate. Fitchburg Police (978-345-4355) enforces; chronic disturbances may also draw 310 CMR 7.10 action by MassDEP.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Worcester County.
See how other cities in Worcester County handle quiet hours.
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