Quiet hours in New Bedford, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — 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 §53: fine up to $200 or imprisonment.
New Bedford, MA
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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.
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