Municipal Code
The Boston Municipal Code (chapter 16, section 26) sets the general standard for noise that is unreasonable or excessive: louder than 50 decibels between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or louder than 70 decibels at all other hours. The code includes specific provisions regarding car alarms, construction hours, and loud speakers and other amplification devices.
Boston Municipal Code (chapter 16, section 26)
Boston Air Pollution Control Commission (APCC)
The APCC has adopted regulations based on the city's ordinance. In particular, the APCC regulations distinguish among residential, business, and industrial districts in the city, and specify restrictions on construction noise.
APCC Regulations
Enforcement & Reporting
The APCC shares with the Boston Police Department (BPD) responsibility for enforcing the city's noise ordinance.
Type of Noise: | Report To: |
| Car Alarms
Loud Parties Amplification Devices | Boston Police Party Line
617-343-5500 or contact your neighborhood's district police station |
| Construction Sites
Industrial Sites Ventilation and Ait-Conditioning Equipment | Air Pollution Control Commission
|
| Airplane | The City of Boston has no authority over airplane noise. Questions can be addressed to Massport. |
