Code Enforcement Corner
Reminders from the Code Enforcement Specialist
Unnecessary Noise
Excessive and unreasonable noise harms public health and welfare and impairs enjoyment of property; however, noise is an unavoidable part of everyday life. Lawn equipment, construction, car horns, public events all produce noise.
So, how do I know when noise is a violation of the Town Code.
This answer can be found in Chapter 82 Section 4
Noise Disturbance
Any noise that is:
Continuous such that it lasts for more than 10 minutes; and
Offensive or obnoxious, considering its intensity, frequency, and duration, or unusual for the time of day or location where it is produced.
As the definition indicates, a violation often depends on the time in which the noise occurs.
The Code defines the deference between Daytime and Nighttime hours.
DAYTIME
The hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for which Town Hall is closed.
NIGHTTIME
The hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, for which Town Hall is closed.
The Code goes on to enumerate different prohibited noises too numerous to list here.
It is important to note that for the Town to cite for a noise violation we must have a statement signed under oath by at least two different people from two different addresses. Sample copies of these statements can be found on the Town’s website.
So before you start that mower, plan that outside party or begin that big project you might want to think of your neighbors and check the Town Code to assure you are not violating the Unnecessary Noise Ordinance.
Voluntary compliance is our goal, and your cooperation is essential.