Quiet hours in Suffolk County, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Suffolk County, MA has no county government — it was abolished in 1999. All noise ordinances are set by individual municipalities: Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Each city has its own quiet hours and enforcement procedures.
The Suffolk County government was abolished effective July 1, 1999 (Massachusetts law). All county functions were transferred to state agencies. There is no county-level noise ordinance. Residents must look to their specific city's code: Boston (Ch. 16 §26, 50 dB 11 PM–7 AM), Chelsea (Code Ch. 16), Revere (Code Title 9), or Winthrop (local bylaws). State standard: MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 (ambient +10 dB).
MassDEP enforcement under 310 CMR 7.10 applies statewide. Individual municipality ordinances govern their respective territories with varying fine structures.
Suffolk County, MA
Driveway rules in Suffolk County are set by each city. Boston requires a curb-cut permit from the Public Improvement Commission, and blocking a Boston sidewa...
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-ba...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 §157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 §155). Rabies vaccination...
Suffolk County, MA
MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, §75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code §2-2.8 prohibits feeding of...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
See how Suffolk County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.