The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Boston, MA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Unreasonable or excessive noise is defined as exceeding 50 dBA between 11 PM and 7 AM or 70 dBA at all other hours, measured at the lot line of a residential lot or nearest affected dwelling unit. The Air Pollution Control Commission also regulates noise in business and industrial districts, but specific general day/night decibel limits for commercial establishments are not explicitly provided in the same manner as for residential areas."
AI Executive Summary
Boston, MA noise ordinances, under City of Boston Municipal Code Section 16-26 and Air Pollution Control Commission Regulations, prohibit unreasonable or excessive noise. Decibel limits are 50 dBA between 11 PM and 7 AM, and 70 dBA at all other times, measured at residential lot lines. Construction is restricted to weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General construction, demolition, alteration, repair, and excavation are permitted only between 7 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Construction devices emitting noise over 50 dBA at a residential lot line are unlawful between 6 PM and 7 AM. Construction devices producing over 86 dBA at 15 meters (50 feet) are generally unlawful, with exceptions for emergency work.
Amplified Sound
It is unlawful to operate loud amplification devices in motor vehicles (whether moving or standing in a public way), in public ways or places, or in or on residential premises if they create unreasonable or excessive noise (exceeding 50 dBA between 11 PM and 7 AM, or 70 dBA at other hours).
Animals
No person owning or harboring a dog shall allow it to be so unreasonably noisy as to disturb the peace. Massachusetts also has nuisance dog laws that can be invoked by citizen petition.
Vehicles
Operation of loud amplification devices in motor vehicles is prohibited. Automobile safety devices (car alarms) that are plainly audible at 200 feet and do not automatically terminate within five minutes are unlawful. Selling or installing modified exhaust systems that amplify noise is prohibited. Motorcycles manufactured after December 31, 1982, must bear a Federal EPA exhaust system label.
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