Noise Ordinances in Maine (2026)
12 rules on the books across Maine, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Quiet Hours
Nighttime and early morning noise restrictions. Most cities set specific hours when loud activities like lawn mowing, parties, and power tools are not allowed.
Construction Hours
When construction, demolition, and heavy equipment may run in residential areas. Most cities regulate this by hours and days rather than volume; violations can bring stop-work orders and fines.
Dixmont
Some RestrictionsDixmont's Site Plan Review Ordinance bars construction activities on a site abutting any residential use between 11…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsConstruction noise above 50 decibels is barred in Portland's residential zones between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. from…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, construction of a project approved under the Site Plan Review Ordinance on a site…
Read full rule →Barking Dogs
Rules about excessive or continuous dog barking, including how complaints are filed, time-of-day limits, and penalties for owners.
Maine: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsPer 7 MRS Section 3950, Maine municipalities may adopt or retain more stringent barking-dog ordinances than state law…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, no person can keep or harbor a dog whose frequent and habitual barking, howling or…
Read full rule →Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Rules for loudspeakers, live bands, DJ equipment, and outdoor music at homes, venues, and events, decibel limits, permitted hours, and when an amplified-sound permit is required.
Portland
Some RestrictionsLicensed outdoor entertainment in Portland must shut down by midnight Sunday through Thursday and by 1 a.m. Friday and…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, the Special Amusement Ordinance ends licensed music, dancing and entertainment at…
Read full rule →Decibel Limits
The decibel thresholds cities enforce, usually as a table by zone and time of day, residential, commercial, and industrial limits, how noise is measured, and what happens at the property line.
Dixmont
Some RestrictionsDixmont prints one numeric noise cap, and it covers mining pits. Sound pressure from a permitted Mining Pit cannot…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsPortland's Land Use Code sets numeric decibel ceilings by zoning district and time of day. Table 6-H fixes…
Read full rule →Vehicle Noise
Rules about loud vehicle exhaust, modified mufflers, racing engines, and stereos audible at distance. Covers what officers measure and typical fines.
Maine: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsPer 29-A MRS Section 1912 (Mufflers), every motor vehicle operated on a Maine public way must be equipped with a…
Read full rule →Portland
Significant RestrictionsPortland bans creating noise on any public right-of-way that draws attention to its source, expressly naming rapid…
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