The vibration ordinance requires control measures for construction activities that meet certain requirements that may cause vibrations in both by-right and special permit projects. The ordinance mandates that control measures are administered and monitored by a "licensed and insured professional engineer", and that abutters chosen by that engineer are provided a free of charge pre-construction and post-construction survey.

The city of Newton-Inspectional Services Department enforces the above requirements.

While the ordinance provides for mandatory construction control for vibration-causing work, it does not mean the city of Newton bears any responsibility to the parties involved in any dispute for damage caused by vibration (which would be a private legal matter between the parties).

The ordinance does not:

• Ensure that abutters do not experience any vibrations from the work
• Preclude abutters from obtaining their own pre and post-construction surveys
• Allow the city of Newton to set any standards beyond what the engineer prescribes
• Provide for the city of Newton to act as a mediator between the parties in a dispute 

Please refer to the link below for the ordinance:

Vibration Monitoring and Protection

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