Quiet hours in Webster, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Webster does not have a dedicated noise ordinance with fixed decibel limits in its general bylaws. The Town's Code (Chapter 302 covers alarm systems) and Article IV District Regulations handle noise as a public nuisance enforceable by the Webster Police Department and Board of Health. Massachusetts case law uses a 10 dBA-above-ambient standard for unreasonable noise.
The Town of Webster, like many smaller Massachusetts towns, relies on general nuisance and disturbance-of-the-peace law rather than a stand-alone noise ordinance. Webster Police enforce noise complaints under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 53 (disturbing the peace) and the Webster general bylaws' nuisance provisions. The Board of Health can issue cease-and-desist orders for chronic noise sources under its statutory authority. The de-facto quiet-hours window is generally 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., consistent with most Massachusetts towns, though enforcement is case-by-case. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection uses a 10 dBA-above-ambient threshold to define unreasonable stationary-source noise; Webster's Board of Health applies a similar test. Specific zoning-district restrictions (Chapter 250 / Article IV) limit certain commercial and industrial noise sources independently.
Police can issue a verbal warning or arrest for disturbing the peace under MGL ch. 272 sec. 53 (penalty up to 6 months / $500). The Board of Health can issue formal orders to abate ongoing noise sources, with daily fines under the general penalty bylaw.
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