Noise from Specific Sources in Massachusetts (2026)
20 rules on the books across Massachusetts, 9 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Noise limits for air conditioners, heat pumps, pool equipment, and other mechanical systems, including decibel thresholds measured at the property line.
Newton
Some RestrictionsNewton bars air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, or pool and reservoir pump equipment from raising noise on a…
Read full rule →Somerville
Some RestrictionsRunning refrigeration or air conditioning machinery loud enough to create a noise disturbance is unlawful in…
Read full rule →Springfield
Some RestrictionsSpringfield's noise ordinance explicitly covers air conditioners and other engine-powered equipment, holding them to…
Read full rule →Bar & Nightclub Noise
Noise regulations specific to bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, including bass frequency limits, soundproofing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Cambridge
Some RestrictionsA Cambridge bar or club violates the Noise Control Ordinance if its music or sound system is plainly audible 50 feet…
Read full rule →Newton
Some RestrictionsNewton bans unreasonable or excessive noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. under Sec. 20-13(f)(7), but bars, clubs, and…
Read full rule →Taunton
Some RestrictionsTaunton bars stores, garages, theaters and other places of amusement or trade from disturbing neighbors with loud…
Read full rule →Worcester
Some RestrictionsA Worcester bar or club violates Chapter 9, Section 1A(e)(7) the moment music measured at the property line rises more…
Read full rule →Car Alarm Limits
Maximum duration for car alarms before they must auto-silence, penalties for repeated false alarms, and vehicle towing authority for chronic alarm violations.
Somerville
Significant RestrictionsA vehicle alarm that sounds more than ten minutes in an hour is a public nuisance in Somerville, and police may tow the…
Read full rule →Boston
Some RestrictionsBoston bans car alarms and anti-theft devices that make noise audible from 200 feet away and do not shut themselves off…
Read full rule →Cambridge
Some RestrictionsA car alarm in Cambridge must shut off within 10 minutes and not sound again within the hour, or the owner faces a $100…
Read full rule →Brockton
Light RestrictionsBrockton exempts car alarms and other warning devices from its noise ordinance as long as they do not sound…
Read full rule →Springfield
Light RestrictionsSpringfield exempts vehicle anti-theft alarms from its noise ordinance only if the device shuts off on its own, or is…
Read full rule →Generator Noise
Rules for portable and standby generators, including permitted operating hours, decibel limits, and restrictions during non-emergency use.
Newton
Some RestrictionsNewton caps portable generators used on construction and demolition sites at 90 dB(A) under Sec. 20-13(g)(2), measured…
Read full rule →Somerville
Some RestrictionsRunning a stationary generator, compressor, or other combustion engine outdoors in Somerville without an effective…
Read full rule →Brockton
Light RestrictionsEmergency standby and backup generator noise is exempt from Brockton's noise ordinance at all times under Sec…
Read full rule →Delivery Truck Noise
Time-of-day restrictions on commercial delivery trucks operating in residential zones, including back-up beepers, refrigeration units, and engine idling.
Cambridge
Some RestrictionsCambridge's Noise Control Ordinance bans loading and unloading of boxes, crates, containers, and garbage cans between 9…
Read full rule →Fall River
Some RestrictionsFall River bans noise from trucks and truck loading or unloading, along with other health- or sleep-disturbing noise…
Read full rule →Newton
Some RestrictionsNewton bars commercial deliveries and pickups between midnight and 6 a.m. within 300 feet of any dwelling in a…
Read full rule →Somerville
Some RestrictionsSomerville bans loud loading and unloading, the crash of dumpster lids, crates, and delivery boxes, between 7:00 p.m…
Read full rule →Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Special bass-frequency (≤125 Hz) sound limits for venues, including dB(C) measurement standards and how cities differentiate bass noise from baseline ambient.