Noise in Boston
The Air Pollution Control Commission works to maintain healthy air quality and noise levels in the City.
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 Commission has developed regulations that apply to residential, business, and industrial districts. Our Commission and the Boston Police Department work together to enforce the rules on noise. If you have a noise complaint, you can report it to the appropriate authority using the “Contact” section below.
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Have questions? Contact us:
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1 City Hall Square, Room 709
Boston, MA 02201
Who to contact
During normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., you can contact us at 617-635-3850 or emailing APCC@boston.gov for concerns about noise related to:
- construction sites
- industrial sites
- ventilation, or
- air-conditioning equipment.
Outside of normal office hours, you can contact BOS: 311 with your concerns.
Please call 9-1-1 if you have a concern about noise related to:
- car alarms
- loud parties, or
- sound amplification devices.
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.
After-hours construction
Inspectional Services approves after-hours construction on a weekly basis:
You can look up a map of the City's wards and precincts. You can also contact your neighborhood coordinator to see approved after-hours construction in your area.
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Have questions? Contact us:
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1 City Hall Square, Room 709
Boston, MA 02201
