Noise in Boston

The Boston Public Health Commission works to administer the City of Boston noise ordinance.

The Boston Municipal Code sets standards for reasonable noise levels. It also sets maximum acceptable noise levels for different times of day. An unreasonable level of noise is:

anything louder than 50 decibels from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., or
anything louder than 70 decibels at any time, except for permitted construction.

The Air Pollution Control Commission has also developed regulations that apply to residential, business, and industrial districts. If you have a noise complaint, you can report it to the appropriate authority using the “Who to Contact” section below.

Who to contact

building construction

Regular construction hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. For noise complaints about building construction:

During construction hours, please contact Inspectional Services at ISD@boston.gov. You can also search approved building permits.
After hours, please check the afterhours permit database. If you cannot locate a permit, call 311 to report unpermitted afterhours construction or contact Inspectional Services at ISD@boston.gov.

roadwork construction

Roadwork is permitted by the Transportation Department and the Public Works Department. Please note that some roadwork may be permitted to occur at nighttime for emergency purposes. For complaints about roadwork construction:

For utility roadwork, contact Public Works at publicworks@boston.gov.
For other roadwork, please search the Street Occupancy Permit Lookup. If you cannot find a permit, contact the Transportation Department at btd@boston.gov.

Disturbing the peace

For noise complaints related to:

Loud parties
Car alarms
Sound amplification devices

Please dial 9-1-1 or contact the community service liaison at your local precinct.

restaurants and entertainment venues

If you have a complaint about noise from a business establishment, such as restaurants, bars or concert venues, please contact Entertainment Licensing at mocal@boston.gov or call 617-635-4165.

aircraft

Do you have a concern about noise related to airplanes? Please contact the Massachusetts Port Authority:

Complete Massport's online form, or
Call Massport at 617-561-3333.

trash pickup

Residential waste collection hours start at 6 a.m. For complaints related to trash pickup, please contact Public Works at 617-635-4900 or publicworks@boston.gov.

Please note that, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111 s. 31a, the City of Boston cannot set commercial waste pickup hours in areas zoned for business, commercial or industrial use.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

For concerns about noise related to HVAC systems, you can contact us at 617-534-5965 or by emailing environment@bphc.org.