Quincy, MA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Quincy, MA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Quincy Code Ch. 215
- Daytime Limit (weekday)
- 75 dBA, 7 AM–5 PM
- Daytime Limit (weekend)
- 75 dBA, 9 AM–5 PM
- Evening Limit
- 65 dBA after 5 PM
- Fine
- $100/day per violation
Summary
Quincy regulates noise under Chapter 215 of the City Code, adopted June 7, 2010 (Order No. 2010-114). Residential zones may not exceed 75 dBA from 7 AM–5 PM weekdays or 9 AM–5 PM weekends; after 5 PM the limit drops to 65 dBA.
Section 21. Towns may, for the purposes hereinafter named, make such ordinances and by-laws, not repugnant to law, as they may judge most conducive to their welfare, which shall be binding upon all inhabitants thereof and all persons within their limits. They may, except as herein provided, affix penalties for breaches thereof not exceeding three hundred dollars for each offense... (22) For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 215 (Noise) sets decibel-based limits for residential neighborhoods: 75 dBA between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays, and 65 dBA at all other times. Noise sources covered include loud music, barking animals, truck operations, commercial landscaping equipment, and construction equipment. The Marina Bay district has additional restrictions. The Department of Inspectional Services enforces the ordinance, with the Police Department retaining concurrent authority at the Chief's discretion.
Violations & Fines
$100 per day fine for each violation. Each day a violation continues is a separate punishable offense. License holders who accumulate three violations within 12 months face a Board of Licensing Commissioners disciplinary hearing. The city may also seek injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Quincy
How Quincy compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Quincy to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Norfolk County handle quiet hours.