Quiet hours in Worcester County, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Worcester County, MA has no county government and passes no ordinances. All noise rules are set by individual cities and towns. The county government was abolished July 1, 1998 (St. 1997, c. 48). Each of the 60 municipalities sets its own quiet hours.
Worcester County local bylaw or ordinance establishes quiet hours and noise limits for residential areas. Massachusetts General Laws c.272 §53 provides baseline enforcement statewide for disturbing the peace. MassDEP Noise Policy (310 CMR 7.10) provides guidance but no numeric residential standards. Municipalities set their own limits, typically 55 to 65 dBA. MA typically has later quiet hours (11 PM) compared to other states. Local police handle residential noise complaints.
First offense warning or citation. Municipal fines $50 to $300. MGL c.272 §53: fine up to $200 or imprisonment.
Worcester County, MA
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See how Worcester County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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