Maine state law: decibel limits

Unlike states such as Colorado (CRS 25-12-103) and Minnesota that codify general residential/commercial daytime and nighttime decibel limits, Maine's noise framework is qualitative ('loud and unreasonable noise' under 17-A MRS Section 501-A) at the statewide criminal level. The only quantitative state-level decibel rule is Maine DEP's Site Location of Development Act noise standard in DEP Chapter 375 (typical limits 55 dBA daytime / 45 dBA nighttime at protected residential receptors), which applies only to large industrial, wind energy, and commercial development projects above SLODA thresholds. For wind projects, DEP follows the methodology in DEP Chapter 375 Section 10. All residential decibel limits - typical Maine municipal pattern 65 dBA daytime / 55 dBA nighttime at the receiving property line - are set by individual city or town ordinance under 30-A MRS Section 3001 home-rule authority. Refer to the local code for the operative limit.

DEP administrative penalties up to $10,000/day under 38 MRS Section 349. Municipal decibel-ordinance violations typically civil fines of $100-$500. Criminal exposure for 'loud and unreasonable noise' is Class E (17-A Section 501-A).