Quiet hours in New Bedford, MA β also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time β define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is declared a public nuisance. The city's waterfront and fishing port generate continuous harbor activity in the South End.
New Bedford's noise regulations prohibit sounds that disturb the peace and quiet of any neighborhood. The MassDEP regulation 310 CMR 7.10 applies statewide, prohibiting sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line. The city's working waterfront as the nation's highest-value commercial fishing port creates continuous harbor noise. Complaints are handled by the New Bedford Police Department.
First offense warning or citation. Municipal fines $50 to $300. MGL c.272 Β§53: fine up to $200 or imprisonment.
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on th...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under Β§23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must compl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-stree...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates vehicle parking under Chapter 23 (Traffic) of the Code of Ordinances. Heavy traffic vehicles are restricted in certain zones under Β§23-...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford requires a building permit for fence installation, with a fee of $30. The permit is obtained through the Inspectional Services Department. Pool b...
New Bedford, MA
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 Β§21 prohibits spite fences β fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Massachusetts has no shared-cost ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle quiet hours.
See how New Bedford's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.