Chelsea, MA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered premises
- Bars, restaurants, apartment houses, stores
- Curfew window
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Audibility threshold
- 200 feet
- Host liability
- Applies even if guests cause the noise
- First offense
- Written warning
Summary
Chelsea makes it unlawful for anyone in charge of a bar, restaurant, apartment house or other gathering premises to let boisterous songs, loud noise or musical equipment disturb neighbors between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Sec. 16-99(i) reaches noise plainly audible at 200 feet and applies whether the host causes it directly or merely permits it.
(i)Creation of noise at night. It shall be unlawful for any person in charge of any store, garage, filling station, apartment house, theater, restaurant, bar, or other premises where persons gather or enter for purposes of amusement or trade within the city, either by such person's own actions or by permitting or allowing any persons who may resort to the premises, to disturb the neighbors or public peace by loud noises, boisterous songs, operation of musical equipment, machines, instruments or other musical devices, the use of which produces noise plainly audible at a distance of 200 feet, interrupting the peace or quiet of the city after the hours of 10:00 p.m. and before the hour of 8:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " Liability attaches to "any person in charge" of such premises "either by such person's own actions or by permitting or allowing any persons who may resort to the premises" to create the disturbance, so a bar owner, landlord, or party host can be cited for noise made by guests, not only noise the host personally makes. " Outside that window the same music or gathering is not reached by this subsection. The section sits within Chelsea's broader noise-control ordinance, so the general exemptions apply, including the emergency-situation exemption in Sec.
16-99(c)(3) and the special-event permit process in Sec. 16-99(n), under which the city manager or a designee can authorize noise limits or exceptions for a permitted event such as a concert.
Violations & Fines
A first violation draws a written warning under Sec. 16-99(l) recording the offender's name, address, and the landlord's name and address if applicable. Repeat violations carry a criminal fine of $100 to $300, enforced by the Chelsea Police Department, and each day a disturbance continues can be charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord be cited if a tenant's party is too loud?
What time does the party-noise rule start applying?
How is a violation measured?
Sources & Official References
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