Quiet hours in Lowell, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and Code Enforcement.
Under the Lowell Municipal Code (Chapter 234, Noise), it is unlawful to make, continue, or cause any unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in residential districts. The ordinance is authorized by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21, which grants cities broad police power to regulate noise for public health and welfare. Prohibited nighttime activity includes loud parties, shouting, radios or stereos audible beyond 50 feet, vehicle horns (except emergencies), and mechanical equipment. Complaints are typically routed to Lowell Police non-emergency dispatch or Lowell 311. First offenses usually result in a warning; repeat violations carry escalating fines up to 300 dollars per incident. Multi-family housing (common in the Acre, Centralville, and Belvidere neighborhoods) is a frequent source of complaints.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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