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Step 1 of 3Lynn, MA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"While Massachusetts state law (310 CMR 7.10) prohibits increasing ambient sound levels by more than 10 dB(A) at property lines, the City of Lynn's ordinance does not specify decibel limits, focusing on subjective criteria like 'excessive' or 'unnecessary' noise."
AI Executive Summary
Lynn, MA's Chapter 6:13, "An Ordinance Regulating Unnecessary and Excessive Noise," prohibits any excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noise that disturbs peace, comfort, or endangers health. Specific quiet hours are generally enforced between 11 PM and 7 AM for amplified sound and public yelling. Violations are reported to the Police Department, with appeals heard by an Administrative Hearing Officer.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
The operation of pile drivers, steam shovels, pneumatic hammers, derricks, steam or electric hoists, or other loud appliances is restricted. Permission for such work between 6 PM and 7 AM may be granted upon application if loss or inconvenience would result.
Amplified Sound
Operating radios, musical instruments, phonographs, or other sound-producing devices in a manner that disturbs neighbors' peace and comfort, especially between 11 PM and 7 AM, is prohibited. Sound plainly audible from the source vehicle or building is considered prima facie evidence of a violation.
Animals
Keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity is prohibited.
Vehicles
Unnecessary sounding of horns except as a danger warning, creation of unreasonably loud or harsh sounds, or sounding for an unreasonable period. Discharge of exhaust from engines or vehicles without an effective muffler is prohibited. Operating vehicles so out of repair, loaded, or in a manner that creates loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, or rattling noises is also prohibited.
Public Conduct
Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on public streets, particularly between 11 PM and 7 AM, or at any time or place that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in residences or offices, is prohibited.
Commercial Activity
Shouting and crying of peddlers, hawkers, and vendors that disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood is prohibited. The use of drums or other devices for attracting attention by noise to any performance, show, or sale is also prohibited.
Proximity to Sensitive Areas
Creation of excessive noise on streets adjacent to schools, institutions of learning, churches, courts (while in use), or hospitals that interferes with their operation or disturbs patients, provided conspicuous signs are displayed.
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