Cambridge, MA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Cambridge, MA?
| Regulation | Details for Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 6PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 617-349-3300 |
6:00 PM - 7:00 AM (general, with variations for specific activities)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Cambridge, MA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge, MA's Noise Control Ordinance, Chapter 8.16, establishes rules to prevent excessive sound and vibration that could jeopardize public health, safety, welfare, or degrade quality of life. The ordinance outlines specific quiet hours and decibel limits for various activities, with violations potentially incurring fines up to $300.00 per day.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 60 dBA (7 AM - 6 PM) | 50 dBA (6 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified (general); 60 dBA (7 AM - 6 PM) for HVAC/A/C at property line | Not specified (general); 50 dBA (6 PM - 7 AM) for HVAC/A/C at property line |
Note: Limits are measured at the property line. Noise exceeding ambient sound by more than 10 dBA at the property line may also constitute a violation. Cambridge also specifies maximum dBA at specific octave levels.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction, drilling, or demolition work is generally not allowed between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, or between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM on Saturdays and holidays, if audible 50 feet from the lot line. No work is permitted on Sundays without Police Department approval. Exceptions exist for emergency work. Construction site noise for residential properties has a maximum level of 75 dBA (Lmax) and 86 dBA (Lpeak). Homeowner equipment (e.g., lawnmowers) is generally allowed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Amplified Sound:
Street performers may not exceed 80 dBA at 25 feet. If sound inside a structure exceeds 50 dBA and is 10 dBA above background, the performer must reduce sound or move. Street performing hours are Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Businesses in business districts can hold acoustic performances without a permit from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with amplification limited to one microphone. Loud music complaints should be directed to the police non-emergency line. Festival permits can allow outdoor music until approximately 11:00 PM.
- Animals:
Excessive, continuous, or untimely barking or the molesting of passersby by any animal is considered a nuisance and requires attestation by five residents in the immediate vicinity. For habitual barking dog problems, contact the Animal Commission during business hours or the police non-emergency line after hours.
- Vehicles:
The sounding of horns or signaling devices on vehicles is permitted only as a danger warning; unreasonably loud or harsh sounds, or sounding for unnecessary and unreasonable periods, is prohibited. Loading and unloading of trucks have restrictions from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM (9:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) if plainly audible 50 feet from the lot line or in a noise-sensitive zone, with some exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge, MA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Cambridge, MA?
6:00 PM - 7:00 AM (general, with variations for specific activities). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Cambridge, MA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 60 dBA (7 AM - 6 PM) during the day and 50 dBA (6 PM - 7 AM) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Cambridge, MA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Cambridge, MA police non-emergency line at 617-349-3300. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 617-349-6100 (Inspectional Services Department).