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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Boston, Massachusetts
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
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Default quiet hours: 23:00-07:00 (unreasonable if >50 dBA at the lot line/nearest dwelling)
Weekends/holidays: 23:00-07:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-18:00 (Off Hours Permit required outside these times)
Construction weekends: Not allowed without an Off Hours Permit
Boston defines 'unreasonable noise' as >50 dBA from 23:00-07:00 or >70 dBA at other hours, measured at the lot line or nearest dwelling. Weekday construction is 07:00-18:00; off-hours or weekend work needs an Off Hours Permit. See BPHC Noise and Code 16-26.4.
Residential quiet hours
23:00-07:00 (unreasonable if >50 dBA at the lot line/nearest dwelling)
Weekends & holidays: 23:00-07:00
Decibel limits
70 dBA daytime / 50 dBA night
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-18:00 (Off Hours Permit required outside these times)
Weekends: Not allowed without an Off Hours Permit
Lawn equipment
Not specified
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
'Unreasonable' is >50 dBA (23:00-07:00) or >70 dBA other hours at the lot line/nearest dwelling; BPD handles loud parties.
Typical fines
$300 per offense for construction-hour violations; other penalties via ordinance/licensing
First offense: ~$300 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via BOS:311 for general noise; BPHC guidance; ISD for construction; Police for active disturbances. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.boston.gov/311 or call BOS:311 for general noise; BPHC guidance; ISD for construction; Police for active disturbances. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi - Boston treats noise over 50 dBA after 11 p.m. as unreasonable. Could you keep it down late at night? Thanks for understanding.
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We're experiencing noise that appears to exceed Boston's 50 dBA night / 70 dBA day standards, and possibly off-hours construction rules. Please address this with the tenant/contractor.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Boston Code - Ch. 16-26 (Unreasonable Noise) & Section 16-26.4 (Construction Hours)
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- For suspected off-hours construction, check the City's Off Hours Permit and attach a screenshot if none exists.
- Include approximate dB readings (phone apps OK) and exact times (e.g., after 23:00).
- Route issues correctly: ISD for construction, BPD for parties, BPHC for overall guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.