Construction Company in Tuen Mun, China Pays $400,000 for Repeatedly Ignoring Noise Complaints (Apr. 20, 2000). South China Morning Post reported that the Chevalier Construction Company so often over the past two years that when it ignored four separate days of complaints because of jackhammering on Sundays and late at night, the Environmental Protection Department fined the company almost $400,000.
Florida Nightclub Meets Noise Complaints with Louder Music (Apr. 19, 2000). According to the St. Petersburg Times, the owners of Plant Bubba in Hernando County, vow to crank up the music more nights during the week when county commissioners strengthen existing noise ordinances.
Florida Residents Say Private Planes Not Commercial Are Too Noisy (Apr. 19, 2000). The Press Journal reported on complaints against jet noise at Vero Beach Municipal airport, but this time the complaints are against private aircraft rather than commercial.
LA City Council Compromises on Jet Noise Restriction (Apr. 19, 2000). The Los Angeles Times reported that the LA City Council's move to impose a stricter limit on new air traffic at Van Nuys Airport [the busiest airport in the country] is significantly short of the original proposed ban requested by the airport's neighbors.
New Louisiana Noise Ordinance Passes Constitutional Litmus Test (Apr. 19, 2000). The Advocate reported that a new noise ordinance in East Feliciana Parish is constitutionally sound, resulting in the Police Jury's support.
Rhode Island Town's New Ordinance is Tougher but Will it Work? (Apr. 19, 2000). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reported that the Town Council in Bristol asked residents to identify areas in their neighborhoods and throughout the town that are noise problems.
Florida Flight School Too Noisy for Vero Beach Residents (Apr. 17, 2000). The Press Journal printed this op ed regarding aircraft noise from FlightSafety Academy in Vero Beach, Florida. The editorial is written in its entirety.
Coping With Noise Involves Action (Apr. 16, 2000). The Chicago Sun-Times printed an article about resolving noise complaints. The article, while brief, listed steps to take to resolve the complaint. The article recommended first solving the problem by going to the source and conducting a reasonable discussion.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Noise Ordinance Needs to be Consistent and Properly Enforced (Apr. 14, 2000). The Albuquerque Journal published an editorial about a proposed Albuquerque noise ordinance. The writer believes that a noise ordinance is a good idea, but the city needs to make sure that the ordinance will be backed up with proper enforcement ability.
Washington County, Arkansas Seeks Legal Advice Before Passing Noise Ordinance Against Barking Dogs (Apr. 13, 2000). The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that some residents in Washington County, Arkansas have complained about barking dogs at a local animal shelter. A noise ordinance was proposed, but was tabled by the Animal Concerns Advisory Board because it was too vague and would be difficult to enforce.
Residents in Wilmington, North Carolina Bothered by Loud Music from Bars; Noise Ordinance to be Amended (Apr. 13, 2000). The Morning Star in Wilmington, North Carolina reports that a popular nightclub offering outdoor music reopened two weeks ago in a new location that is bothering residents in downtown Wilmington. The bar, called the Icehouse, had previously been located in a warehouse district of the city, but has reopened in a downtown area near condominiums. The Icehouse had violated the city noise ordinance in the past at its old location.
Freehold, New Jersey Town Noise Ordinance Will Not Be Amended to Prohibit Barking Dogs During Daytime Hours (Apr. 13, 2000). The Asbury Park Press reports that Helen Doane, a resident of Freehold, New Jersey, requested that the Freehold Borough Council amend its noise ordinance to read that barking dogs may not be left outside all day while their owners are gone. The Council refused to change the ordinance.
Jupiter Island, Florida Will Likely Include Summer Equipment Ban in its Noise Ordinance Amendment (Apr. 13, 2000). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports that Jupiter Island, Florida plans to amend its noise ordinance to prevent some construction equipment from operating on Saturdays in the summer months. The current noise ordinance bans the equipment from November 1 through April 15 only. Under the amendment, the equipment would be allowed to continue operating only with permission from the property owner's neighbors.
Barrington, Rhode Island Institutes Noise, Restraint, and Waste Ordinances Against Nuisance Dogs (Apr. 12, 2000). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the town of Barrington, Rhode Island has recently instituted pet ordinances, mostly focused on problems with dogs. A restraint ordinance requires that dogs will have to be kept on leashes; a waste removal ordinance requires that owners pick up after their dogs when off the owner's property; and a noise ordinance will require that owners ensure their pets are not disturbing neighbors with barking and other noise.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Noise Ordinance to be Rewritten (Apr. 11, 2000). The Albuquerque Tribune reports that Albuquerque mayor Jim Baca wants the city's noise ordinance to be rewritten.
Riverside County, California Wrestles With Rooster Ownership Ban Because of Noise Complaints (Apr. 9, 2000). The Press-Enterprise reports that Cindy Scheirer, a resident of Pedley, California, is perpetually annoyed by the noise made by hundreds of roosters owned by her neighbors in this rural community. Scheirer estimates that there are at least eight nearby properties that each have more than fifty roosters.
Bullhead City, Arizona Rolls Out Tough New Noise Ordinance Aimed at Curbing "Boom-Box" Noise (Apr. 9, 2000). The Arizona Republic reports that the town of Bullhead City, Arizona is about to put into effect a new, strict noise ordinance that will hopefully solve the city's problems with car stereos. Resident Brian Stevens helped spearhead the effort to get the ordinance passed.
Tampa, Florida Contemplates Ordinance Limiting Construction on Saturdays (Apr. 7, 2000). The St. Petersburg Times in Florida reports that last month the Tampa City Council gave an initial approval to a proposal to adopt a new ordinance that would have prohibited construction noise before 10:00 AM on Saturdays. Since then, however, the Council has heard arguments from contractors and others opposed to the measure, and the City Council has now decided not to adopt the ordinance.
Neighbors in Bristol, Connecticut Frustrated Because Dirt Bike Riders on Private Property Are Allowed to Keep Riding With Owner's Permission (Apr. 7, 2000). The Hartford Courant in Connecticut reports that some residents in Bristol have complained to the city about motorcyclists, many of them teenagers, who ride on a dirt track near their homes. Nearly one hundred neighbors signed a petition asking the city to restrict the hours that the bikers can ride to before 6:00 PM, with a ban on riding on Sundays.
Albany, New York Considers Adoption of New Noise Ordinance (Apr. 7, 2000). The Times Union in Albany, New York reports that the city of Albany has proposed a noise ordinance that will be presented at a public meeting on April 25. The city decided it needed to instate a noise ordinance after having received ongoing complaints from residents who were continually annoyed by the sound of motorbike riders.
Bennington, Nebraska Noise Ordinance Rewritten (Apr. 5, 2000). The Omaha World-Herald reports that the city of Bennington, Nebraska is in the process of rewriting its twenty-year old noise ordinance. City officials believe that the old ordinance is not specific enough. The new ordinance would require that a noise meter be used to determine whether or not a noise is too loud, and American National Standards Institute specifications would be followed. Daytime noise levels would be allowed to be higher than nighttime noise levels. Police would be able to enforce the ordinance. Violators could be fined $100. The ordinance was given a first reading by the City Council last month, and could be adopted in May.
Vero Beach, Florida Residents Want Noise Ordinance Amended Because of Loud Music From Café (Apr. 2, 2000). The Press Journal in Vero Beach, Florida reports that residents Jim and Kathleen Norconk have had it with the loud music from the local Riverside Café. They have hired attorney James A. Taylor to help them with a petition that they hope will encourage the City Council to amend its noise ordinance. Other residents in the communities of Vero Isles, Vista Harbor, and McKee Point are supportive of the Norconks' efforts.
City of Largo, Florida in Process of Amending Noise Ordinance (Apr. 2, 2000). The St. Petersburg Times reports on a noise ordinance in Largo, Florida that is in the process of being amended because the current one is too vague.
Marion, Texas Residents Displeased With Auto Racetrack (Mar. 29, 2000). The San Antonio Express reports that residents in Marion, Texas are angry about the noise, lights, and air pollution generated by a new race track facility, the River City Raceway.
Pennsylvania Town's Noise Ordinance Could Be Too Strict (Mar. 27, 2000). According to an article by the Associated Press, a proposed local noise ordinance in Penbrook, Pennsylvania can be interpreted so narrowly that children could be banned for roller-skating or bouncing a ball.
Barking Dogs Are a Health Hazard in California (Mar. 26, 2000). A guest editorial in the San Francisco Times about barking dogs, health and personal responsibility is a compelling argument for anyone wishing to lodge a noise complaint and important information for anyone writing local noise ordinances.
North Carolina Police Ticket Protesters for Noise (Mar. 25, 2000). An article in the Asheville Citizen-Times that protesters who yelled at an employee of a women's health clinic were ticketed by police for "unreasonable, loud, disturbing, unnecessary noise."
Yelling is Noise Violation in South Carolina (Mar. 25, 2000). An article from the Associated Press reported that an anti-abortion protester was cited for violating a local noise ordinance because he was yelling.
Tampa, Florida City Council Restricts Weekend Construction Hours (Mar. 24, 2000). The Tampa Tribune reported on construction noise beginning at 7am has prompted the City Council to propose a noise ordinance banning construction on both Saturday and Sunday morning until 10am, whether the work is professional or a "do it yourself" homeowner.
Baton Rouge City Council Tries Noise Ordinance a Second Time (Mar. 23, 2000). According to the Baton Rouge Advocate, the Metro City Council is enforcing an amended noise ordinance after much of it was declared unconstitutional in 1997.
Bullhead, Arizona City Council Passes Noise Ordinance (Mar. 23, 2000). An article from the Associated Press reported that the Bullhead City Council recently passed a new noise ordinance that restricts people from playing loud radios, musical instruments, television sets or stereos in "a reckless manner." Emergency vehicles are responding to a call are exempt.
Town in South Wales Implements Faster Noise Complaint Policy (Mar. 23, 2000). The South Wales Evening Post reported on plans by the Swansea Council to find a newer and faster noise complaint policy.
New Noise in Papillion City, Nebraska Will Silence Boom Cars and Other Loud Noise Makers (Mar. 22, 2000). The Omaha World-Herald reported that to ensure the peace and tranquility of the town, the Papillion City Council will impose a new noise ordinance that will crack down on loud noises, boom cars in particular.
Papillion, Iowa to Hold Noise Ordinance Hearing (Mar. 20, 2000). The Omaha World Herald reports that the Papillion, Iowa City Council will hold a hearing on a proposed city noise ordinance.
Proposed Amendment to Oklahoma City Ordinance, Designed to Reduce Nightclub Noise, Causes Concern Among Business Owners and Some Residents (Mar. 19, 2000). The Sunday Oklahoman reports that Oklahoma City Councilwoman Amy Brooks has drafted a proposed amendment to a city ordinance as a result of complaints from many of her Ward 2 constituents about late-night bar, nightclub, and restaurant noise in the Crown Heights neighborhood. Some other residents, and many business owners and concert promoters, strongly oppose the measure.
Resident Lodges Complaint Against Temecula Speedway in California For Violating City Noise Ordinance and Operating Without Appropriate Permits (Mar. 19, 2000). The Press-Enterprise of Riverside, California reports that the Temecula Speedway has had a complaint filed against it by nearby resident Eion "Scotty" McDowell, who states that the noise levels are too high and that the raceway is operating in violation of city noise ordinance and without proper permits. The city of Temecula is conducting tests to determine the sound levels at the speedway.
Suburban Houston Resident Complains About Noise from Neighbors' Automotive Machinist School (Mar. 19, 2000). The Houston Chronicle reports that Houston resident Roy Ruffin has resorted to drastic measures over the noise he hears from his neighbors' school for automotive machinists. He maintains that the noise is too loud, and that the business should not be allowed in a residential neighborhood. However, the property is now zoned commercial and city officials do not believe that the noise is loud enough to warrant action.
Oracle Corporation Jet Temporarily Prevented From Nighttime Landings at San Jose International Airport (Mar. 18, 2000). The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that Larry Ellison, head of Oracle Corporation, has been issued a temporary restraining order preventing his jet from landing at San Jose International Airport between the airport's curfew hours of 11:30 P.M. and 6:30 A.M. The city has warned Ellison more than once during the past eighteen months that he has allegedly violated the curfew. The city's attorneys allege that Ellison has violated "the city's noise ordinance, breached the terms of his airport lease, and engaged in unfair business practices by breaking the rules." City Attorney Rick Doyle said that the issue will now be resolved in the courts.
Norman, Oklahoma City Council Strengthens Noise Ordinance (Mar. 17, 2000). The Daily Oklahoman reports that the Norman City Council has agreed to change the city noise ordinance so that it will be enforceable twenty-four hours a day.
Residents of Island Falls, Maine Vote to Recall Prohibited-Uses Portion of Zoning Ordinance (Mar. 16, 2000). The Bangor Daily News reports that Island Falls, Maine voters recently recalled a portion of the town's zoning ordinance in order to protect the National Starch and Chemical Company factory in town. The zoning ordinance from 1974 said that the town would prohibit "all uses that are obnoxious or injurious to health or property by reason of odor, dust, smoke, refuse-matter fumes, noise, vibration or similar conditions."
Noise Ordinance Approved by City Council in Perris City, California (Mar. 15, 2000). The Press-Enterprise reports that Perris City, California has approved a new city noise ordinance. Other unrelated city issues discussed by the council also appear in the article.
Maine Town Officials Reject Paper Mill Expansion Because of Noise (Feb. 21, 2000). The Central Maine Morning Sentinel reported that the town's Planning Board rejected International Paper Company's plans to expand its three-acre logging operation because it did not meet the board's standards.
South Carolina County Officials Investigate States Ports Authority (Feb. 20, 2000). According to the Associated Press, Charleston County officials have asked the sheriff's department to investigate a State Ports Authority storage yard because of noise and safety concerns from residents.
UK Residents Angry Over Noise Pollution from US Electronics Plant (Feb. 19, 2000). The Journal reported that a crowd of angry residents in England challenged security guard warnings at a US electronics plant in England, and blocked the plant's entrance for 30 minutes, protesting noise pollution from the plant.
Applications for Tavern Licenses in New Zealand Questioned Because of Excessive Noise (Feb. 16, 2000). The Southland Times reports that two restaurants in Wanaka have applied for tavern licenses, which would allow them to serve and sell alcohol and to provide live entertainment until 2:30 A.M. The applications have been questioned because noise complaints have been lodged in the past against both restaurants.
Maryland Senate Committee Wants to Limit County's Authority to Set Local Noise Ordinances (Feb. 16, 2000). According to an article in The Capital, a state Senate committee in Maryland is looking at legislation that would preclude county officials' setting their own local noise limits on regulating a Pasadena gun club. The reason: business would be at risk if legislation were enacted.
Washington Man Claims Toy Airplanes Violate County Ordinance (Feb. 16, 2000). According to an article in The Columbian, a Clark County man complained about model airplane noise at a nearby fairground so vociferously that county commissioners ordered sound tests.
City of Leesburg, Florida to Formulate Noise Ordinance (Feb. 15, 2000). The Orlando Sentinel reports that the city of Leesburg, Florida has decided to institute a noise ordinance and is currently researching just how the ordinance should be worded and enforced.
Manawatu, New Zealand District Council to Begin Imposing Fines For Excessive Residential Noise (Feb. 15, 2000). The Evening Standard of Manawatu, New Zealand reports that the Manawatu District Council will begin fining people in Feilding and elsewhere in the District who refuse to comply with noise abatement notices.
UK Residents Oppose New Nightclub Because of Noise and Rowdiness (Feb. 5, 2000). The Newcastle Chronicle and Journal reported that residents in the English town complained to the Newcastle City council about plans for a new nightclub near their homes. They don't want to listen to noise or disturbances and promise to fight the plan.
Pembroke Pines, Florida Considers Stricter Noise Ordinance (Jan. 30, 2000). The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Mayor of Pembroke Pines, Florida has asked city commissioners to consider toughening the existing noise ordinance. Noise that exceeded new decibel limits, or was loud enough "to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighborhood, regardless of the time of day," would be punishable by up to $500 fine or 60 days in jail.
Addison, Illinois Toughens Noise Ordinance to Address Loud Car Stereos (Jan. 28, 2000). The Chicago Daily Herald reports that Addison, Illinois has changed its noise ordinance to prohibit stereos systems or mufflers from being heard 75 feet away from a vehicle.
Ordinance Prohibiting All-Terrain Vehicles Along Reservoir in Rumford, Rhode Island Amended to Create Stiffer Fines (Jan. 28, 2000). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that an ordinance that prohibits the use of all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles along railbeds and near a reservoir in Rumford, Rhode Island has been amended to increase the fines. The ordinance is intended to protect the environment and to reduce noise.
Street Preacher Says Beaufort, South Carolina Noise Law that Sets Different Decibel Limits for Amplified and Unamplified Noise is Discriminatory to Street Preachers (Jan. 27, 2000). The Post and Courier reports that a Beaufort, South Carolina preacher has threatened to sue the city for setting decibel limits for unamplified noise lower than those for amplified noise: a rule that discriminates against street preaching.
Wealthy Florida Developer Finally Complies With Noise Ordinance (Jan. 15, 2000). According to the Sun-Sentinel, a local developer violated six city noise ordinances by continuing to run heavy equipment at a construction site well past the 10 p.m. deadline without being penalized.
Airport Officials Rethink Decision: California Man's Jet Can Stay (Jan. 15, 2000). According to the Ventura County Star, a Ventura County man can store his Czechoslovakian military jet at the Camarillo Airport because it passed the required noise test. This recent decision rescinds an earlier one requiring him to remove the jet.
Maine Town Council Reforms (Jan. 13, 2000). The Bangor Daily News reported that Orno Town Council members warned a local nightclub owner to reduce the noise level or risk losing his entertainment license.
Texas City Councils Say Noise Regulation Difficult to Enforce (Jan. 13, 2000). The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Southlake residents have had enough of the blower from a nearby car wash, and have lodged complaints to local officials just the city was reviewing its noise ordinance. The article explained some of the difficulties of writing an "enforceable noise ordinance," according to the city's head of code enforcement.
Florida County to Measure Music Levels at Bars (Jan. 13, 2000). According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota County commissioners gave their approval to sheriff's deputies to use sound-level meters to determine noise violations when residents complain about loud music at bars.
UK Kennel Owner to Pay Town for Noise Violations (Jan. 12, 2000). According to the Leicester Mercury, the owner of a dog kennel was fined 100ƒ and must pay 75ƒ in costs because he failed to comply with a noise abatement order on his barking dogs.
Florida Noise Amendment Rejected by County Commissioners and State's Attorney (Jan. 12, 2000). According to the Ledger, county commissioners in Barstow, Florida rejected an amendment that imposed criminal penalties for businesses that make excessive noise.
Maine Residents Challenge Stone Company Over Noise and Work Hours (Jan. 11, 2000). The Bath Chronicle reported on a noise dispute between a local stone company and its neighbors over the company's planned expansion.
Maine Town Rejects Noise Abatement Amendment for Businesses With Liquor Licenses (Jan. 11, 2000). The Kennebec Journal reported on the city council's rejection of a proposed amendment to a local ordinance that, if passed, would have required businesses with liquor licenses to conform to the same noise standards that city residents must observe.
Jerome, Arizona "Ex-Hippie" Residents Push Noise Ordinance to Restrict Large, Noisy Biker Population (Jan. 6, 2000). The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that "ex-hippies" living in Jerome, Arizona are pushing for a noise ordinance that would provide relief from noisy, smelly motorcycles ridden by a large biker population. The ordinance would prohibit noise of over 80 decibels at 25 feet from the source.
Clay County, Florida Commissioners Consider Revising Ordinance to Make it More Objective (Jan. 1, 2000). The Florida Times-Union reports that commissioners in Clay County, Florida are considering a revision of their noise ordinance to make it more objective.
New Jersey Town Council To Vote On Noise From Quarry (Dec. 15, 1999). The Bergen County Record reports that the Borough Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance that would curb the hours of operation of a local quarry, lessening its impact on neighboring residents.
Paris Cabarets Too Noisy For Public (Dec. 15, 1999). The London Times reports that French cabarets have been targeted by anti-noise groups, and will either have to close or install soundproofing. Up to 2,000 of the 3,000 French bars that stage concerts will close, according to their owners.
Seattle City Council Delays Noise Ordinance in 2000 (Dec. 14, 1999). According to the Seattle Times, the Seattle City Council delayed voting on new noise regulations this year because of a possible infringements of First Amendment rights of demonstrators and because it threatened the existence of the city's nightclubs.
Boom Boxes in Suffolk County New York Expected To Abide by Noise Limits (Dec. 12, 1999). According to the New York Times, the Suffolk County Legislature approved noise limits for boom boxes and other noise sources on county roads or in county-owned beaches and parks. One county official said that the legislation came about because existing loud noises have an adverse affect on the quality of life for Suffolk residents.
Overland Park, Kansas City Council To Limit Volume on Car Stereos (Dec. 11, 1999). The Kansas City Star reported that the Public Safety Committee of the Overland Park City Council directed the city's legal staff to find an ordinance that will limit the noise levels on car stereos in residential areas.
Suffolk, New York Voted to Strengthen Noise Rules By Introducing Decibel Limits (Dec. 8, 1999). Newsday reports that the Legislature in Suffolk, New York voted to introduce decibel limits in county noise rules to help cut down on noise on county property. Decibel limits are 50 between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 65 during the day. Several exemptions are made. The County Executive has 30 days to sign or veto the bill
Simi Valley, California Plans to Streamline Noise Laws, Quieting Streets By 10 PM, and Increasing Role of Police in Noise Disputes (Dec. 6, 1999). The Ventura County Star reports that local officials in Simi Valley, California are planning to streamline their noise laws to assure quiet on the streets by 10 p.m. and until 7 a.m. The new laws would increase the role of police, who would give more objective descriptions of the excessiveness of noise than those currently given in court by furious neighbors.
Editorial States that Santa Fe, New Mexico's New Noise Laws Could Wait; Loud Car Stereos Have Been Turned Down Recently In Good Faith, and House-Partiers May Follow Suit (Dec. 1, 1999). The Santa Fe New Mexica prints an editorial asserting that Santa Fe, New Mexico's noise laws don't need to be amended just yet. City Council had originally proposed stiff fines for noise offenders, but clubs representing those with loud car stereos have been voluntarily turning their music down after 10 p.m. This has quieted the council, but house partiers need to do the same or risk overkill restrictions.
Letter from Noise Expert Says Municipalities Are Not Alone When Trying to Write Enforceable Noise Ordinances; They Can Call Rutgers University in New Jersey (Dec. 1, 1999). Governing Magazine prints a letter from a noise expert at Rutgers University in New Jersey who says that Rutgers University has a 35-year-old Noise Technical Assistance Center that help "municipalities draft ordinances that are clear, precise, enforceable and tailored to the specific needs of the jurisdiction," as well as offering training for noise enforcement officers.
Sarasota County, Florida Decides to Forego Noise Ordinance Change In Favor of Improving Enforcement (Nov. 24, 1999). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that Florida's Sarasota County commission decided to table proposed amendments to the noise ordinance. Noise is currently limited to 55 or 65 decibels, depending on the area.
Springfield, Illinois Plans to Strengthen Noise Law, Allowing Cars with Loud Stereos to Be Impounded (Nov. 24, 1999). The Copley News Service reports that Springfield, Illinois is planning to strengthen their noise ordinance by allowing police to impound cars with stereos playing at an excessively loud volume. The ordinance, which is borrowing from similar ordinances in nearby communities Rock Island and Kankakee, should be drafted within three months.
Restaurant Owners in Ybor City, Florida Upset at City's New Ordinance Forbidding Excessive Noise from Outside Entertainment (Nov. 20, 1999). The Tampa Tribune reports that against protests from local restaurant owners, Ybor City, Florida has passed an ordinance to forbid excessive noise in several districts.
Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania Supervisors Refuse Proposed Ordinance That Would Have Quieted Night-Construction from New Wal-Mart (Nov. 19, 1999). The Morning Call reports that town supervisors in Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania have refused to move forward on an ordinance proposed to stop night-construction at a new Wal-Mart. A skeptical supervisor said he had gone to the site and said "I didn't really mind the noise that I heard."
Santa Fe, New Mexico Noise Ordinance Soon to Be Passed In an Attempt to Quiet Boom Boxes and Car Stereos (Nov. 17, 1999). The Santa Fe New Mexica reports that Santa Fe, New Mexico is close to passing a proposed ordinance which would fine operators of loud stereos as much as $500 if they can be heard from 25 feet away. Car-stereo clubs say that their members will be restricted more than necessary, and even city officials from Albuquerque says that 25 feet will mean that even reasonable music volumes will be subject to fines.
West Dundee, Illinois Passes Noise Ordinance (Nov. 17, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that in response to residents' complaints about noise from leaf blowers and vacuum trucks at a nearby business, West Dundee, Illinois has passed a noise ordinance. Fines will range from $25 to $500.
Independence, Ohio Approves Noise Ordinance that Addresses Late-Night Construction and Excessive Stereo Volume (Nov. 12, 1999). The Plain Dealer reports that a noise ordinance has been approved in Independence, Ohio that addresses excessive amplified noise and construction noise.
Seattle Resident Questions Recent Letter that Criticized a Recently Rejected Noise Ordinance Proposal (Nov. 11, 1999). The Seattle Weekly prints several letters to the editor, one of which questions a recent article that criticized a recently vetoed noise ordinance.
West Dundee, Illinois Considers Noise Ordinance to Address Garbage Collection, Construction, and Amplified Noise (Nov. 11, 1999). The Chicago Daily Herald reports that West Dundee, Illinois is considering a noise ordinance that would restrict amplified noise, construction noise, and trash collection. Fines will range from $5 to $500, and maintenance of public property will be exempted.
Highland, California Police May Now Charge Hosts of Loud Parties for Police Costs If Officers Must Visit the Same Location Twice in Twelve Hours (Nov. 10, 1999). The Press-Enterprise reports that a new ordinance in Highland, California will allow police to bill hosts of loud parties if police must come to the same location within a twelve-hour period because of noise complaints.
Rockland, Maine Council Rejects Proposed Changes to Noise Ordinance that Would Have Raised the Decibel Levels Allowed Downtown (Nov. 10, 1999). The Bangor Daily News reports that the city council of Rockland, Maine has rejected a proposed change to the noise ordinance that would have increased the decibel level that was allowed downtown. The deciding vote came from a council member who changed her mind when she heard that noise was audible up to 1.5 miles away from a downtown nightclub.
Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania Supervisors Tell Angry Residents that Nighttime Wal-Mart Construction Can't Be Stopped Because They Have No Nuisance Ordinance; Nuisance Ordinance Will Be Drafted Soon (Nov. 5, 1999). The Morning Call reports that Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania's Board of Supervisors told angry residents that nighttime Wal-Mart construction can't be stopped, although it will try drafting a nuisance ordinance that could limit construction hours. Residents want construction to end at some compromised time between 6 p.m. and the current 11 p.m. Wal-Mart says it could work around the clock, so the 11 p.m. stop time is already a middle ground.
Seattle Council Members Criticized for Accepting "Inflammatory Hypothetical Examples" to Support Nuisance Ordinances (Nov. 4, 1999). The Seattle Weekly prints an article that criticizes Seattle City Council members for voting to approve noise and nuisance ordinances on the basis of "inflammatory hypothetical examples."
Des Moines, Iowa Police Claim Noise Ordinance Will Now Be Enforced (Oct. 17, 1999). The Des Moines Register reports that Des Moines, Iowa police will now enforce its noise ordinance, which has been around for years.
Haledon, New Jersey Settles Lawsuit with Quarry Out of Court; Agreement Permits Some Night Work, but Requires Regular Environmental Impact Statements (Oct. 15, 1999). The Record reports that Haledon, New Jersey has settled a lawsuit out of court with a local quarrying firm which had sued over a Haledon law that restricted the quarry's hours of operation. The new agreement allows some night work, but requires regular review of noise and dust levels, traffic plans submitted in advance, and regular environmental impact studies.
Letter to the Editor Trashes Airboats as an Annoyance and a Danger to Fishermen, Wildlife, and Residents (Oct. 15, 1999). Sarasota Herald-Tribune prints a letter to the editor from a Brandenton, Florida man concerned about the impact of airboats. He says that their noise and intrusiveness are a problem for residents, wildlife, and fishermen. Further, he says that the decibel-based ordinance passed in a nearby community is unenforceable.
New Seattle Noise Ordinance Almost In Effect; Mayor and Council Must Agree on Rights of Music Clubs and Protestors (Oct. 15, 1999). The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Seattle's new noise ordinance is almost in effect, but that the Mayor and the City Council still haven't agreed on a few issues. They must agree on whether music clubs will be given warnings before citations are issued, and when or whether protesters will be allowed to use bullhorns and other amplifiers. The Council seems willing to compromise on both issues to get the ordinance approved by the Mayor.
Noise Ordinance Voted Down in Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania After Nearly 90 Citizens and Business People Spoke Against It; Committee Formed to Better Define Commercial Shooting Range for Another Noise-Related Ordinance (Oct. 15, 1999). The Morning Call reports that the Upper Saucon Town supervisors voted at a recent meeting not to approve a noise ordinance after the vast majority of attendees against it. 100 petitioners originally requested an ordinance to get relief from the noise of motorcycles and other vehicles. The supervisors also stopped working on another noise-related ordinance that would restrict the use of firearms, and a committee will try to define a shooting range so it includes commercial ranges, but does not prevent "professional target shooters and local hunters and farmers [from continuing] to practice shooting on their own properties."
Seattle Editorial Staff Support City's New, Tougher Noise Ordinance (Oct. 15, 1999). The Seattle Post-Intelligencer prints an editorial which supports the Seattle City Council's proposed new noise ordinance. They agree with the Mayor that music clubs should be allowed warnings before fines kick in, and that protesters should be allowed to use amplifiers during the day. They see the fines as too mild.
Los Angeles, California City Council May Contract with Code Expert to Update Noise Ordinance (Sep. 21, 1999). The Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles, California's City Council will be considering a proposal to improve their 28 year-old noise ordinance by hiring an expert at a cost of $105,600.
Chapel Hill Councilmember Changes Vote and Allows Golf Course's "Agricultural" Fans to Remain Exempt from Noise Laws; Larger Issues Regarding Noise Ordinance to Be Addressed By Consultant (Sep. 19, 1999). The Chapel Hill Herald reports that a member of the Chapel Hill, North Carolina Town Council reversed her vote on the issue of whether to allow golf course fans -- used for 'agricultural purposes" -- to remain exempt from the community's 60-decibel noise limit. Although quieter fans have been installed since, other council members say that the exemption should still be removed. The councilwoman who reversed her vote said that since a consultant has been hired to make alterations to the existing ordinance -- which may include a 5 decibel reduction in the noise limit -- "tinkering" in the meantime will be a wasted effort.
Dubuque, Iowa Council Members Ride in Big Rigs and Decide that "Jake Brakes" Shouldn't Be Outlawed; Instead, Police Should Ticket Truckers Whose Brakes are Loud from Lack of Maintenance (Sep. 17, 1999). The Telegraph Herald reports that city council members in Dubuque, Iowa recently took a ride in big rigs to hear the noise caused by "jake brakes." The council members reported that the brakes are only noisy when not maintained properly. Instead of the proposed ban on the brakes, a noise ordinance was passed to ticket truckers who did not maintain the brakes properly.
Louisville, Kentucky Adopts New Noise Ordinance (Sep. 17, 1999). The Courier-Journal reports that the Louisville, Kentucky Board of Aldermen adopted a tougher new noise ordinance that will carry $1,000 fines and 60-day jail terms. Violators will include those with loud dogs, car stereos, loud garbage collection, and loud bars. Police plan to buy several $600 noise meters to assist in enforcement.
Mason, Ohio Strengthens Noise Ordinance to Cover Loud Car-Stereos in Daytime (Sep. 16, 1999). The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Mason, Ohio recently revised their noise ordinance to include noise that occurs during the day. After residents complained about the daytime noise, a new amendment includes daytime noise from car stereos. Fines could exceed $100. Noise "plainly audible" fifty feet from a car is considered a violation. Some council members were concerned that the law over-regulated noise.
New Noise Ordinance in Montgomery, Illinois to Be Enforced By Police Noise Meters (Sep. 16, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that a new noise ordinance passed in Montgomery, Illinois will levy fines from $50 to $500 for noises over 60 decibels during the day and over 55 decibels at night. Lawn equipment will be exempt during the day and emergency vehicles will be exempt at all times. Complaints have been increasing in Montgomery in recently years, tending to center around live bands and car stereos.
New Ordinance and Enforcement Official in Louisville, Kentucky Can Impose $1000 Fines for Noise Measuring Over 45 Decibels On Neighboring Property (Sep. 15, 1999). The Courier-Journal reports that a new noise ordinance in Louisville, Kentucky will forbid noises of over 45 decibels as measured from a neighboring property. Fines could reach $1000, and may be accompanied by a 60 day jail term. The ordinance was drafted in response to complaints about noise from loud music at nightclubs.
Annapolis, Maryland Passes New Noise Ordinance (Sep. 14, 1999). The Capital reports on a new noise ordinance in Annapolis, Maryland. It applies to amplified music, shouting, and loud vehicles. A noise will be considered a violation if it can be heard fifty feet from the source.
Greenwood, Indiana City Council to Consider Raising the Fine for Noise Ordinance Violation from $15 (Sep. 10, 1999). The Indianapolis News reports on several local issues including tax abatement, property taxes, and noise. After complaints from an elderly resident about excessively loud car stereos, the city council is considering an increase in the current $15 fine for noise violations. Police receive frequent noise complaints but fines are too low to effectively deter violators.
Corona, California Building Department Tightens Enforcement that Forbids Early Morning Construction Noise (Sep. 9, 1999). The Press-Enterprise reports that the Corona, California Building Department has been cracking down on construction noise before 7 in the morning. Hot summer days increase mid-day breaks and pressure builders for time, and earlier this summer work resulted in 20 complaints due to construction noise; this is triple the complaints of a normal month. The Police Department takes early-morning complaints since the Building Department is not yet open. Through further cooperation, police can cite violators for misdemeanors while the Building Department can reevaluate building permits if it comes to that.
Residents of Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania Petition Town Supervisors to Stop Ordinances That Would Limit Noise from Firearms and Other Sources (Sep. 8, 1999). The Morning Call reports that 200 residents of Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania have signed a petition protesting two noise ordinances. The ordinances have already been revised once after resident protests; maximum decibel levels for industrial, residential/agricultural/conservation, and commercial zones are now set at 80, 60 and 68 depending on time of day, and 65 and 70 depending on the time of day, respectively. An original two-week limit on sighting-in hunting weapons on one's own property has been removed. Residents still feel they should be responsible for determining when they can use their firearms.
Westerville Ohio, Near Columbus' Polaris Amphitheater to Enforce Its Noise Ordinance On the Venue (Sep. 8, 1999). The Columbus Dispatch reports that the City Council of Westerville, Ohio is considering changes to its noise ordinance which include the enforcement of noise limits on Polaris amphitheater in neighboring Columbus, Ohio. State law permits a city -- in this case Westerville -- to enforce its noise ordinances on noisy locations from an adjacent city if both cities agree. Westerville is also making changes to its ordinance to make it more enforceable. Westerville feels that Polaris has ignored their concerns up until now.
Louisville, Kentucky Columnist Applauds Aldermen for Strengthening the Noise Ordinance (Sep. 8, 1999). The Courier-Journal reports that the Aldermen of Louisville, Kentucky plan to amend the local noise ordinance to be tougher on noise from bars and cars. The Aldermen responded to a proposed wet-dry vote in the area -- designed to shut down loud bars -- by proposing the amendment. They also plan to hire a noise inspector that will monitor noise around the area.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee City Council Passes Noise Ordinance Limiting Times When Construction Noise is Permissible (Sep. 8, 1999). The Tennessean prints several items regarding local council actions around the state of Tennessee, including one noise ordinance. Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed a noise ordinance restricting the times that construction crews can make noise in residential areas. Noise is limited to 7 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, although it can begin at 6 AM in the summer. On weekends year-round construction noise is permitted between 8 AM to 8 PM. Unacceptable noise is defined as any noise heard beyond the property line.
Middletown, New Jersey Planning Board Supports Noise Ordinance That Will Limit Construction Times (Sep. 2, 1999). The Asbury Park Press reports that Middletown, New Jersey's Planning Board Approved an ordinance that will limit night construction. The one dissenting vote was from a member who wanted stricter limits. Under the ordinance, residents will call the police to report disturbances and the police will decide whether the noise was serious enough to follow up on.
Santa Fe, New Mexico Resident Calls For Integrated Noise Laws (Aug. 31, 1999). The Santa Fe New Mexica prints several letters to the editor, one of which relates to noise. The writer asks Santa Fe officials to work on an integrated set of noise rules that -- as opposed to the current, weak ordinance -- will be effective in reducing noise from numerous sources.
Town Council Gives Preliminary Approval to Noise Ordinance Amendment that Prohibits Agricultural Equipment from Running Continuously; Amendment Targets Golf Course Fans that Disturb a Neighbor (Aug. 28, 1999). The Chapel Hill Herald reports that the Chapel Hill, North Carolina Town Council has given preliminary approval to a noise ordinance amendment that will prohibit the constantly-running fans at the local country club. The fans are needed to keep cool air moving around greens so the grass won't die, but a resident living nearby said the noise is invasive no matter what the level.
Westerville, Ohio to Fine Columbus Amphitheater for Violating its Noise Ordinance Across Community Borders (Aug. 27, 1999). The Columbus Dispatch reports that Westerville, Ohio plans to enforce its soon-to-be-revised noise ordinance across community borders in an attempt to quiet a Columbus amphitheater. Columbus has agreed to allow Westerville to enforce its ordinance across community lines because it will be easier to prove a violation of Westerville's noise ordinance. The penalty of $5,000 per violation would probably not cause the amphitheater to alter its noise output, but repeated violations would allow a judge to shut the venue down.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina Country Club Must Quiet Fans that Were Formerly Exempted by City's Noise Ordinance (Aug. 26, 1999). The Chapel Hill Herald prints an editorial that comes out strongly in favor of a new noise ordinance that removes exemptions for agricultural equipment. The revisions were made to force the Chapel Hill Country Club to quiet its green-aerating fans that cause 70 decibels of noise at neighbors property lines. Now that the fans will no longer be exempt, they must remain quieter than 60 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night.
New Noise Ordinance in Montgomery, Illinois Open for Public Comment (Aug. 26, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that a proposed noise ordinance in Montgomery, Illinois will have a three-week public comment period. Fines under the ordinance range from $50 to $500. The daytime permitted noise level is 60 decibels, and the nighttime level is 55 decibels. There are several exemptions.
Put-In-Bay, Ohio Create Noise Ordinance to Reduce Volume Competition Between Bars Meant to Attract Customers (Aug. 26, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that Put-In-Bay, Ohio has created a noise ordinance to crack down on bars which compete with each other by turning up their music. Police will now fine those who exceed 95 decibels on weekends and holidays $100.
St. Stephen, South Carolina Begins Enforcing Its Laws to Fine Cars with Excessively Loud Stereos or Darkly-Tinted Windows (Aug. 26, 1999). The Post and Courier reports that St. Stephen, South Carolina officials have begun more aggressive enforcement of several local laws. Now, you can be fined $348 for noise that can be heard over 50 feet away, or $360 for darkly-tinted rear windows on your car that could obstruct the view of police.
Warwick, Rhode Island Noise Ordinance to Be Retooled to Confront Loud Car Stereos (Aug. 23, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that officials in Warwick, Rhode Island are hoping to revise the local noise ordinance to address noise emanating from loud car stereos. The new ordinance would allow police to ticket motorists for loud car stereos based on judgment.
Santa Fe, New Mexico City Council Considers Changes to Current, Vague Noise Ordinance (Aug. 20, 1999). The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Santa Fe plans to revise its noise laws. Currently, users of loud car stereos -- which are the main target of the ordinance alterations -- are ticketed only occasionally with a fine of $40. The Council is asking other cities what they've done, and are thus considering the prohibition of "music that can be heard 50 feet and more from the vehicle emitting it", or use of decibel meters.
Fine Dropped After Daphne, Alabama Church Takes Steps to Quiet Services; City Removes Allegedly Unconstitutional Exemptions from the Noise Ordinance (Aug. 19, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that a fine imposed on a noisy Daphne, Alabama church was dropped after the church took steps to quiet their services. The church challenged the ordinance that justified the fine, and the city has since agreed to amend the ordinance by removing exemptions to excessive noise; the church had claimed that the exemptions were unconstitutional.
Providence, Rhode Island Town Council to Amend Nuisance Ordinance so Owners of Barking Dogs Must Quiet their Pets or Lose Them (Aug. 19, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that Providence, Rhode Island's Town Council plans to amend their nuisance ordinance to quiet barking dogs. Instead of the current system of impounding dogs and then freeing them after payment of a small fine -- which does not necessarily solve the noise problem -- the new system will require owners to propose a strategy for quieting their dogs before they can reclaim them.
Santa Fe Councilors Plan to Target Loud Car Stereos First in their Fight Against Noise (Aug. 19, 1999). The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Santa Fe, New Mexico Councilors are planning to target loud car stereos as the first step in reducing noise pollution. Currently, $40 tickets are issued several times a week for loud car stereos, but the ordinance invoked is a broad one. The council does not want to unfairly target loud music, unless it is of a "neighborhood-disturbing, baby-waking, window-rattling" intensity. Research into ordinances from other communities should result in a draft in about a month.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas Nightclub Sued by Six Song Publishers After Playing their Songs Without Permission; Nightclub Owners Started Playing More Recorded Music After a New Noise Ordinance Restricted their Live Music (Aug. 18, 1999). The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that a nightclub in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is being sued by six song publishers after it allegedly played copyrighted songs without permission. The nightclub owners were restricted on how loud their live music could be after a noise ordinance was recently upheld, and it appears that their cavalier attitude over recorded music copyrights may have led them to fill the live-music void with illegally-played recordings.
Street Dances at a Bangor, Maine Nightclub Draw Noise Complaints; City Decides to Work with Establishment Before Instituting a Noise Ordinance (Aug. 18, 1999). The Bangor Daily News reports that when street dances at a nightclub in Bangor, Maine drew noise complaints, the city decided to work with the establishment instead of instituting a noise ordinance. Residents complained of music and swearing that could be heard from the live band until 12:30 am. One owner said "get a decibel level you're happy with, and we will try to keep noise within that."
Camden, Maine Selectmen May Revise Noise Ordinance to Include Construction Noise (Aug. 17, 1999). The Bangor Daily News reports that when selectmen were unsure of whether their noise ordinance could be interpreted to cover construction noise, they asked the town attorney to research the question.
Lake County, Illinois Considers Noise Limit of 70 Decibels for Special Events (Aug. 15, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that Lake County, Illinois is considering a noise limit for special events under its "Unified Development Ordinance." County officials are considering a limit of six "special events of public interest", and a noise limitation of 70 decibels for those events.
Banning, California Council to Vote on New Noise Ordinance (Aug. 10, 1999). The Press-Enterprise reports that Banning, California's City Council will be voting tonight on the adoption of a new noise ordinance.
Charlestown, Rhode Island Town Council to Vote On Proposed Noise Ordinance Amendments That Would Raise Fines and Simplify Enforcement (Aug. 10, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the Charlestown, Rhode Island Town Council is considering amendments to the local noise ordinance. Fines and jail terms would be increased, and enforcement would be based on an officer's judgment.
Buffalo, New York Toughens Its Noise Ordinance (Aug. 10, 1999). The Buffalo News reports that the city council of Buffalo, New York has passed an amended noise ordinance that toughens its previously vague nature.
Simsbury, Connecticut Plans to Establish a Noise Ordinance (Aug. 7, 1999). The Hartford Courant reports that Simsbury, Connecticut officials are working with police to develop a local noise ordinance that would fine violators $50.
Hammond, Louisiana Council Impatient with Legal Department's Pace in Developing Noise Laws (Aug. 5, 1999). The Advocate reports that Hammond, Louisiana's City Council, which asked to develop noise laws months ago, may finally see "new proposals dealing with city alcohol permits and regulations procedures" this week. Residents have been complaining about noise from loud stereos, car stereos, and staged dog fights for at least five years.
Tavares, Florida Noise Ordinance In Place, Though Specific Decibel Limits Are Absent (Aug. 5, 1999). The Orlando Sentinel reports that although Tavares, Florida has now passed a noise ordinance, it conspicuously lacks 'teeth' in the form of specific standards. Residents began asking for an ordinance because of repeated noise disturbances from a particular restaurant.
All Three Candidates for Town Council in Narragansett, Rhode Island Support a Noise Ordinance Review (Aug. 5, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that in a three-way race for a town council seat in Narragansett, Rhode Island, noise has arisen as an issue. All the candidates agree that the noise ordinance should be reviewed.
Carmel, Indiana's New Noise Ordinance Includes Stiffer Fines and Specific Noise Limits (Aug. 4, 1999). The Indianapolis Star reports that Carmel, Indiana has passed a new noise ordinance that includes fines ranging from $250 to $2,500; it forbids 90 decibels as measured from six feet away, and any audible noise from forty feet away. Officers will respond to noise complaints armed with decibel meters and tape measures. Some council members were worried that the stricter rules were getting into "government overkill" mode.
Chicago Suburb Police Attack Loud Car Stereos By Impounding Cars and Levying High Fines (Aug. 4, 1999). The Chicago Sun-Times reports that several suburbs around Chicago have been fighting an epidemic of loud car stereos by impounding cars and issuing fines of up to $500. Some police departments are allowed to use their own judgment to determine violators, while some communities have set distances -- such as 75 feet -- at which noise can not be audible. Courts generally allow police to impound cars when the driver breaks a specific law, although the American Civil Liberties Union says it's a "quick fix."
Montford, North Carolina Residents Complain About Continuing Noise from Loud Car Stereos and Reckless Drivers; New Noise Ordinance to Raise Fines for Repeat Offenders (Aug. 4, 1999). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that Montford, North Carolina residents are being disturbed by noise from loud car stereos and reckless drivers, especially at night. A new ordinance is being considered which would raise the $50 fine for repeat offenders. Police find the current ordinance difficult to enforce since in most cases neither officers nor residents have actually witnessed the crime being committed; they are trying to create a community watch, and are increasing patrols in the area.
Complaints From a Chapel Hill, North Carolina Resident About Noise From a Golf Course Fan Prompted Council Member to Propose Short-Term Fix to Forbid "Continuous" Noise; Long-Term Fix May Tighten Decibel Limits In General (Aug. 3, 1999). The Chapel Hill Herald reports that noise from a country-club fan designed to circulate air around putting-green grass has caused a council member to propose a short-term solution revision to the ordinance that forbids "continuous" noise. After almost two years of complaints from a resident, the council is considering lower decibel limits, though the decision is several months away.
Annapolis, Maryland City Council Considers Revisions to Make a New Public Nuisance Law More Specific (Aug. 2, 1999). The Capital reports that the City Council Public Safety Committee in Annapolis, Maryland has recommended changes to a newly revised public nuisance law. Revisions were meant to specify offenses in more detail than state laws.
Proposed Ordinance in Ybor, Florida Is Aimed to Quiet Loud Clubs; Other Noise Sources Still Make Up Majority of the Problem (Aug. 2, 1999). The Tampa Tribune reports that a proposed new ordinance in Ybor, Florida will limit noise levels in residential areas to 55 decibels at the listener's property line, and downtown businesses will be limited to 85 decibels at their property line. Critics say that bars are only part of the problem, and note that many noisemakers are exempt.
Revisions to Noise Ordinance in Florence, Alabama Simplify Enforcement (Jul. 29, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that Florence, Alabama officials have revised a noise ordinance to make it easier to enforce. An officer can identify violators by how far away he can hear their noise, instead of having to measure the sound with a special device. Violators will be ticketed up to $200; they will receive a ticket similar to a traffic violation instead of a full arrest procedure that was required under the old ordinance.
New Noise Ordinance to Be Proposed in Louisville, Kentucky After Local Tavern Receives Ten Citations (Jul. 28, 1999). The Courier-Journal reports that continued complaints about Lousiville, Kentucky's Phoenix Hill Tavern, which has been warned and cited over ten times in the past year, has spurred interest in a new noise ordinance. The article reports that the new ordinance will restrict outdoor music, and revise the current ordinance's vague description of 'unnecessary noise' with measurable noise limits. The tavern owner supports the ordinance, noting that he has already spent substantial amounts of money on sound abatement.
Pulaski County Supervisors Can't Agree with Planning Commission on Which Body Should Initiate a Noise Ordinance (Jul. 28, 1999). The Roanoke Times & World News reports that Pulaski County's Board of Supervisors can't agree with the Planning Commission on who should take the first step towards a new noise ordinance. The Board referred the matter to the Commission but wouldn't promise to seriously consider adopting any ordinance that the Commission drafted. The Board is doing research into other ordinances. A local businessman pointed out that Pulaski is the only community in the area that requires citizens to personally obtain a warrant from a magistrate to address noise issues.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Police and City Officials Work Towards Reduction of Motorcycle Noise (Jul. 27, 1999). The Sun-Sentinel reports that after years of noise from motorcycles, police have started to increase enforcement, using decibel meters to measure noise as well as identifying doctored mufflers forbidden by state law. They are working with city officials to change the noise ordinance to make that enforcement easier. Police have ticketed more frequently with 160 citations last year, but city officials say that number could be ticketed in a week. Noisy muffler pipes -- legally available as 'off-road' models -- add personality to a bike, and alert drivers to a biker's presence. Motorcycle noise is seen as a threat to the public, and many popular motorcyclist spots encourage patrons to reduce motorcycle noise.
O'Fallon, Missouri Enacts Emergency Noise Ordinance to Address Noise Complaints Directed At Baseball Field (Jul. 22, 1999). St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that a noise ordinance was passed in O'Fallon, Missouri to address increasing noise complaints directed at a local ballfield. Noise registers in the high 90s at the field, and in the 50s outside of it; the new ordinance's limit is 93 inside the park and 50 outside. The city has hired a consultant to determine strategies for reducing noise, which may include replacing the speaker system in large part; the owner of the ballfield has said he is open to that possibility.
Police in Troy, New York Confiscate Cars with Too-Loud Stereos as Evidence of Noise Violations (Jul. 22, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that noise ordinance enforcement in Troy, New York sometimes include confiscating cars with loud car stereos. If stereo volume is measured higher than 76 decibels at 50 feet away, the car is violating the noise ordinance and can be confiscated. Fines begin at $35, and violators -- who include bearers of too-loud boom boxes and motorcycles -- are responsible for any towing costs.
Tavares, Florida Noise Ordinance Will Technically Forbid Loud Frogs From Croaking (Jul. 22, 1999). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that noise from tree frogs were above the limits set by a new ordinance in Tavares, Florida.
New Ordinance in Carmel, Indiana Aimed to Quiet Nighttime Noise (Jul. 21, 1999). The Indianapolis Star reports that a new noise ordinance in Carmel, Indiana is aimed at reducing noise in the community. Problems in the community include loud car stereos, barking dogs, and early morning garbage trucks. After the ordinance is passed, noise of over 90 decibels as measured 6 feet from the source will be forbidden between 10 PM and 7 AM, except for a few exemptions. Fines will range from $250 to $2500.
The Boston Globe (Jul. 18, 1999). The Boston Globe reports that in response to increasing noise complaints several years ago, police officers in Boston, Massachusetts' Jamaica Plain neighborhood instituted "Operation Sound-Off." Police respond to noise-hotline complaints with three decibel meters, warning first-time violators but ticketing repeat violators $100 and sometimes requiring a court appearance. Holidays, weekend cookouts and cultural celebrations are not subject to the ordinance.
New Noise Ordinance in Carmel, Indiana Imposes Stiff Fines for Loud Car Stereos (Jul. 16, 1999). The Indianapolis News reports that a new noise ordinance has been proposed in Carmel, Indiana's City Council that impose stiff fines on noise such as that from loud car stereos. Fines will range from $250 to $2500. Common household lawn and garden equipment will be exempt from 7 AM to 10 PM, as well as approved gatherings and celebrations. Violations will include sound heard from forty feet away or sound measured at 90 decibels or above at 6 feet from the source.
Change to Noise Ordinance in Alexandria, Louisiana Means Stiffer Fines for Violators (Jul. 14, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that Alexandria, Louisiana's new noise ordinance promises stiffer fines for violators. Violators will pay from $137 to $587 for creating excessive noise: especially from nightclubs and vehicles. The old ordinance cost violators only $121 for each violation, regardless of the number of previous citations.
St. Joseph County, Indiana Council Adopts Noise Ordinance (Jul. 14, 1999). The South Bend Tribune reports that St. Joseph County has a new noise ordinance -- driven by increasing development in formerly rural areas -- allowing police to ticket those who are making "loud, raucous or disturbing noises. " The ordinance, which takes effect in August, is similar to ordinances already in place in nearby municipalities.
Cross Plains, Wisconsin Introduces Ordinance to Regulate Noise from Outdoor Concerts (Jul. 13, 1999). The Capital Times reports that the Town Board of Cross Plains, Wisconsin has introduced an ordinance which will limit outdoor concerts to 48 hours, with music allowed between 1 and 11 PM; only one outdoor concert will be permitted at any venue during any one year. A local tavern's outdoor music may be affected, but its indoor music would have to be cited under county law, although the Town plans to give the owner some leeway since he has showed a cooperative spirit.
Jupiter Island, Florida Bans Noisy Winter Construction (Jul. 13, 1999). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports that Jupiter Island, Florida has banned construction noise during the winter season, when most of its 600 residents are there. A noise will be considered too loud if "in its operation [it] would render the enjoyment of property within the town less agreeable." During the summer, noise is limited to between 8:30 and 5:30 during the week, and to between 8:30 and 1 PM on Saturdays. Equipment that produces noise louder than 65 decibels at a neighboring property is prohibited at any time of year.
Parishioner at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana Applauds New Law to Keep Street Performers Quiet During Church Services (Jul. 12, 1999). The Times-Picayune prints a letter to the Editor from a parishioner at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana who approves of a new law to restrict street performers and musicians from interrupting church services with loud music. She lived near the cathedral until recently when she realized that the noise was causing stress-related illnesses in her family. She notes that street performers aren't always musicians, but are often jugglers or other entertainers with boom boxes.
Raleigh, North Carolina Letter to the Editor Asserts that Ordinance Exemptions For Noisy City-Sponsored Events are Unfair (Jul. 12, 1999). The News and Observer prints a letter to the editor from a Raleigh, North Carolina resident who is upset over a noise ordinance that plays favorites. He notes that while city-sponsored events are exempt from noise ordinances, a recent orderly protest rally was considered a violation. He asks City Council to comment on these inequities, asserting that this exemption should be removed.
Town Council in Charlestown, Rhode Island Passes New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 12, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that Charlestown, Rhode Island's Town Council has passed a new noise ordinance aimed at reducing noise from radios -- which should not be audible over 50 feet from the source -- and construction. Construction will be prohibited after 10 PM and before 7 AM. Police will use their own discretion in determining violations, and may levy fines up to $500 and jail terms up to 30 days.
Elkhart, Indiana Toughens Noise Ordinance (Jul. 11, 1999). The South Bend Tribune reports that Elkhart, Indiana's noise ordinance will be toughening fines, ranging from $100 to $2500. The ordinance will now apply around the clock, and police can identify violators by hearing a noise 50 feet from the source, measuring over 83 decibels at 15 feet, or subjectively judging a sound to be "inherently offensive and patently obnoxious." Recent regulation of train whistles in Elkhart prompted the revisions to the ordinance in the interest of dealing with several other noise issues -- such as loud mufflers or stereos -- at the same time.
Police in Flushing, Michigan Use Unmarked Cars to Identify Noise Ordinance Violators (Jul. 10, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that police in Flushing, Michigan have been cracking down on loud car stereos this summer using a 1992 noise ordinance. The ordinance includes a $500 fine or 90-day jail term for violators. Officers have been using unmarked cars to enforce the ordinance, so violators don't recognize patrol cars and lower the volume.
Sacramento County Developers May Have To Disclose Airport Noise to Buyers (Jul. 8, 1999). According to the Sacramento Bee, the proposed Sunrise-Douglas development is near Mather Airport, and developers may be required to include an aviation disclosure statement to prospective buyers, informing them to expect aircraft noise since the development is near the airport.
Caged Dogs in UK Back Yard Cause for Concern Among Neighbors (Jul. 8, 1999). According to the South Wales Evening Post, residents in one community in South Wales is taking on its own town council because of one neighbor's hobby-- raising dogs, which are kept caged in his back yard.
Illinois town Council To Update Noise Ordinance (Jul. 8, 1999).
Noise Action Day Celebrated in Smashing Ceremony (Jul. 8, 1999). An article in the Bristol United Press reports that one noisy rock fan in Gloucester lost his confiscated stereo system when it was crushed by heavy equipment in a ceremony to mark Noise Action Day.
Town Council In UK To Fine Noisy Neighbors (Jul. 8, 1999). According to the Bristol Evening Post, the town council has warned noisy neighbors to keep down the noise or go to court.
UK City Council Smashes Loud Stereo As Warning On Noise Action Day (Jul. 7, 1999). The Gloucester Citizen reports that the city council made an example out of one noisy neighbor by smashing his stereo in a ceremony on Noise Action Day.
UK Groups Say Noise Is Hazardous to Your Health (Jul. 7, 1999). According to the Times Newspapers, you can get sick from an over exposure to noise. Loud music, neighbors that fight, barking dogs and the do-it-yourselfer who uses a hammer and drill too long are all among the most emphatic noise complaints.
Noise Action Day Reveals Noise Complaints On the Rise (Jul. 7, 1999). According to the Press Association, politicians are campaigning on Noise Action Day, asking people to be more thoughtful of their neighbors. The article revealed that noise complaints are increasing in number, especially noise from arguing neighbors, airplanes and loud music from nearby clubs. Local authorities, however, show no signs of enforcing a national noise policy.
Elkhart, Michigan Mayoral Candidate and Common Council Member Wants to Toughen Local Noise Ordinance (Jun. 30, 1999). South Bend Tribune reports that an Elkhart, Michigan common council member and Republican mayoral candidate has proposed changes to toughen the noise ordinance; common problems in the community include motorists playing loud music and having loud exhaust systems. 154 noise violations have been written already this year. The current range for fines of $25-$100 would be raised to $100-$2500. Hours of enforcement would be changed from between 9 PM and 8 AM to around the clock. Violators could be identified with three criteria: noise audible at 50 feet from the source, noise registering 83 decibels or higher 15 feet from the source, or any inherently offensive or patently obnoxious noise. The words inherently and patently were added after complaints that the language was too vague.
Residents of Villa Park, Illinois Want Existing Noise Ordinance Strengthened to Increase Enforceability and Eliminate Late-Night Idling of Refrigerator Trucks (Jun. 30, 1999). Chicago Tribune reports that the Villa Park, Illinois Village Board is considering changes to its noise ordinance that will allow police to crack down on drivers of refrigerator trucks who leave them idling all night. Residents near a motel lot where refrigerator trucks often idle complained at a recent board meeting. The current ordinance prohibits the trucks from running between 8 PM and 6 AM, but suggested changes would make the property owner responsible for not allowing the trucks to idle. One board member suggested putting the regulation under traffic laws, allowing easier enforceability.
Louisiana Senate Approves Bill to Prohibit Excessive Noise Near Hospitals and Houses of Worship (Jun. 18, 1999). The Times-Picayune reports the Louisiana Senate approved a bill that would prohibit loud noises near hospitals and houses of worship.
Isle of Palms, SC Restaurant Wins Court Battle over "Overbroad" Noise Ordinance (Jun. 17, 1999). The Post and Courier reports a federal judge ruled that the Isle of Palms noise ordinance is too vague and broad to be legally enforcable.
Miami Club Abandons Noise Ordinance Lawsuit After City Drops Violation Fines (Jun. 17, 1999). The Broward Daily Business Review reports a Miami club has abandoned its lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of several noise ordinances after the city dropped the fines it had levied against the club for violating them.
Naperville, IL Seeks to Refine Its Noise Ordinances (Jun. 17, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports the city of Naperville, IL has moved from tackling noisy car stereos to completely remaking all its noise-related ordinances.
Tavares, Florida City Council Postpones Passage of Noise Ordinance; More Objective Definitions Needed (Jun. 17, 1999). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports the Tavares City Council has postponed the passage of a new noise ordinance until it can create more objectives standards for the law.
New York City Enacts New, Stricter Noise Ordinance (Jun. 16, 1999). The Associated Press (through the Dessert News, Salt Lake City, UT) reports some New Yorkers are unhappy with a new, strict noise ordinance recently passed by the city council.
San Antonio, TX Cites Concrete Company for Noise (Jun. 16, 1999). The San Antonio Express News reports a Northwest Side concrete company received a citation for violating the city's noise ordinance.
Long Grove, IL Golf Course Owners Protest Time Limits on Noisy Mowing (Jun. 15, 1999). The Chicago Daily Herald reports golf course operators in Long Grove, IL say a proposed noise ordinance limiting hours of use for mowers and other such equipment will not allow them sufficient time for course maintenance.
Tavares, FL City Council to Vote on Stricter Noise Ordinance (Jun. 15, 1999). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports the Tavares City Council will vote on a stricter noisie ordinance.
Hot Springs, AK Police to Target Noisy Car Stereos and "Boom Boxes" in City (Jun. 14, 1999). The Associated Press reports police in Hot Springs, Arkansas will begin issuing more noise ordinance citations in the wake of increased complaints from residents about car stereos and "boom boxes."
New Tampa, FL Noise Ordinance Has Residents Asking for More Restrictions, Bar Owners for Less (Jun. 11, 1999). The St. Petersberg Times reports Tampa resident have long requested a stricter noise ordinance, but business-- particularly bar -- owners say they cannot exist under the proposed new limits.
Noise Ordinance in Hendricks County, Indiana Repealed After Less Than a Year Since Vague Language Makes it Impossible to Enforce (Jun. 9, 1999). The Indianapolis Star reports that a noise ordinance passed last July in Hendricks County, Indiana was repealed by the County Commission because of difficulties with enforcement. The ordinance was watered-down from the original proposal by the Sheriff's Department, and vague language defined a violation only as "unreasonable noise which is clearly audible beyond the bounds of their personal property." Police officers were also unable to accurately measure the volume of alleged disturbances.
Chicago, Illinois Alderman Suggests Easing Noise Ordinance Against Boom-Cars, Claiming Consequence of Car-Impoundment Falls Too Disproportionately on Minorities; City Council Disagrees (Jun. 8, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that a Chicago, Illinois City Council committee rejected a proposal to limit the hours that the noise ordinance against boom-cars would apply. Currently, car-owners who play excessively loud stereos can be fined up to $500, and have their car-impounded; getting their car back costs $115. The alderman claimed that violators were disproportionately minorities, and that they were unfairly hindered from going to work. The proposal would have limited the applicable hours of the ordinance to between 9 AM and 9 PM.
Stamford, Connecticut Police Take Over Enforcement of Hard-To-Enforce Noise Laws (Jun. 6, 1999). The New York Times reports that Stamford, Connecticut Police have taken over the job of enforcing the city's noise ordinance from the Department of Health. The ordinance, which says a $99 ticket may be issued for excessively loud noise, can be difficult to enforce for moving vehicles with loud stereos; the ordinance requires that a noise level be determined with and without the offending noise, which means most violators will be long gone before they qualify for a ticket. Other noise issues in the city include loud bars and nightclubs, and early-morning garbage trucks.
City Commissioners in Haines City, Florida Tighten Noise Ordinance Restrictions (Jun. 5, 1999). The Ledger reports that Haines City, Florida City Commissioners have begun revising the local noise and nuisance ordinances to make it stricter and more enforceable. If the revisions are passed by the council, violators will now be subject to fines of up to $500 a day up to $7500 for violations such as drug-related activity, prostitution, and criminal gang activity.
Menlo Park, California's City Council Sets Decibel Limit for Leaf Blowers and Restricts Hours, Rejecting Proposal to Only Allow Their Use Every Other Week (Jun. 3, 1999). The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Menlo Park's City Council restricted the noise-levels and hours of operation for leaf blowers, but did not limit their use to every other week as was proposed. More than 100 residents, including many local gardeners, attended a council meeting that dealt with the issue; many spoke against the proposed every-other-week ban, saying that it would "make outlaws out of honest, hard-working gardeners." The restrictions would limit legal leaf-blowers to those producing 65 decibels or less, and would require operators to wear ear protection. In addition, hours of operation were limited to 8-5 on weekdays, 11-3 on Saturdays (for residents, not paid gardeners), and banned from Sundays, holidays and "Spare the Air" days.
Providence, Rhode Island City Council Proposes Revisions to Toughen Noise Ordinance (Jun. 3, 1999). Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the City Council of Providence, Rhode Island is making revisions to their ordinance that should make enforcement easier and stiffen fines. The revisions come as noise complaints continue to roll in during the loud summer season, and are meant to target car radios, amplification systems, and home stereos. Excessive noise is defined loosely as"any noise audible at a distance of 200 feet from its source by a person of normal hearing," allowing officers to make a judgment call. $100 fines will be the minimum, and will double for uncontested violations. Repeat offenders will draw a $100 surcharge on top of any fine. Fines will be $500 for violators who contest a fine but are found guilty, or they may serve up to 10 days in jail.
Tavares, Florida's City Council Gave Preliminary Approval to New Noise Ordinance; Some Worry it is Too Subjective (Jun. 3, 1999). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that the City Council of Tavares, Florida has given its preliminary approval to a noise ordinance which would allow police to ticket violators from $50 to $250. The ordinance was proposed in response to complaints targeted at a local restaurant that hosts live bands. The ordinance defines violations subjectively as "noise which tends to cause discomfort or disturbs or annoys any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area," and proceeds to define it more objectively as "the use or operation of any radios, sound amplifiers, loudspeakers and musical instruments, among other things, plainly audible between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. at a distance of 50 feet." Restaurant operators maintain they are not violating any ordinance, and wish the ordinance would set a truly objective, decibel limit.
Haines City, Florida Council Will Hold Workshop to Tighten Noise Ordinance (Jun. 2, 1999). The Ledger reports that Haines City, Florida's City Council will be holding an after-meeting workshop designed to find ways to toughen the local noise ordinance; the workshop will be open to the public. Residents have complained for years that the existing ordinance isn't well enforced, and police who try to enforce it have complained that "because of assumptions judges have made, it is hard to get it enforced in the courts." One main target of the new revisions is a better way to restrict excessively loud car stereos. Many elderly people in the community are afraid to call the police to complain, and they wish police would tighten enforcement so they didn't have to.
Wauconda, Illinois Considers Increasing Penalties for Noise Ordinance to Increase Compliance (Jun. 2, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that Wauconda, Illinois is considering stiffer penalties for violators of its noise ordinance. The proposal was prompted by increasing complaints about the noise from car stereos at a local apartment complex. Current fines range from $25-$750, but village officials say they 'lack teeth' without jail time to back it up.
Limited Regulation of Leaf Blowers Back in New Jersey State Legislature, Gardeners Happy (Jun. 1 1999). Bc Cycle reports that an impending bill in the California legislature, if passed, would limit cities and counties in their regulation of noisy leaf blowers. Gardeners are backing the legislation for the second time, claiming that bans and regulations on the noisy gardening tools threaten the use of the tool they say is essential in 19 New Jersey cities. (Jun. 1, 1999). SACRAMENTO - Bc Cycle reports that cities and counties would be limited in their regulation of noisy leaf blowers by an impending bill in the state Legislature.
Local Regulation of Leaf Blowers in New Jersey State Legislature Again (Jun. 1, 1999). The Associated Press reports that an impending bill in the California legislature, if passed, would limit cities and counties in their regulation of noisy leaf blowers. Gardeners are backing the legislation for the second time, claiming that bans and regulations on the noisy gardening tool will significantly curtail its use in 19 New Jersey cities.
South Carolina Judge Denies Residents' Challenge To Neighborhood Firing Range (Jun. 1, 1999). The Asheville Citizen-Times of South Carolina reports that a Buncombe County Superior Court judge has denied some Emma landowners a preliminary injunction against the owners of a Shelby Road firing range near their property, which is located in a residential area. A trial date has yet to be determined.
California Towns For and Against Restrictions on Personal Watercraft (May 31, 1999). The Associated Press reports that jet skis and other personal watercraft will face new and sweeping restrictions at Donner Lake in a proposal by the town council.
Illinois Town Targets Loud Parties With Second Noise Ordinance (May 28, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that the Fox Waterway Agency's board of directors passed a second noise ordinance this year because of complaints about excessive noise on the waterway, not from boat engines but from loud parties.
California Town's Support of Curfew Critical in Ending Airport Battle (May 27, 1999). According to the Daily News of Los Angeles, a turnover in airport commissioners from the Glendale City Council has resulted in an imminent end to a four year battle with the city of Burbank over a noise curfew and the expansion of the airport terminal.
Overwhelming Majority of 50 Residents at Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania Town Board Meeting Oppose a Proposed Noise Ordinance to Restrict Firearm Discharge (May 27, 1999). The Morning Call reports that only three of more than 50 residents at a recent Upper Saucon, PA Town Board meeting supported a proposed ordinance to enforce noise levels; the ordinance would restrict shooting ranges to industrial zones.
Roselle (Chicago Suburb), Illinois' Schaumburg Airport to Monitor Noise Ordinance Compliance in Response to Resident Complaints (May 27, 1999). The Chicago Daily Herald reports that Schaumburg Regional Airport, on the outskirts of Chicago, plans to implement a noise abatement monitoring program in response to continued resident complaints. The program would track flights on random days and record whether pilots are legally high enough when they turn to fly over residential areas.
Wayne, Maine Public Hearings Propose an Ordinance Forbidding Personal Water Craft on Local Ponds and a Change in How Noise from Alleged Noise Ordinance Violators is Measured (May 27, 1999). Kennebec Journal reports on a series of Wayne, Maine public hearings dealing with an ordinance to ban personal water craft on local ponds, and a change in measuring noise ordinance violations.
County Commissioners in Asheville, North Carolina Consult State Wildlife Commission Concerning Noise and Other Disturbance from an Airboat Operation on the French Broad River (May 26, 1999). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that Buncombe County Commissioners will ask the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for help in determining the environmental threats that a small airboat operation may have on the French Broad River. In addition to environmental concerns, citizens are worried about effects on other recreation, safety, and hearing.
New Noise Ordinance in Chicago's Fox River Allows Noisy Boats to be Identified By Ear (May 26, 1999). The Chicago Daily Herald reports that a new noise ordinance put in place by the Fox Waterway Agency will discard the old 90 dB noise limit for the subjective limit at which "peace is breached" on the Fox River. The ordinance was introduce because decibel meters were unreliable on the Fox River, where sound bounces off buildings, and many window-rattling violators were having their tickets thrown out in court. First, second, and third noise violations carry minimum $35, $200, and $500 fines respectively.
Citizen Criticizes Noise Ordinance Amendment as Poorly Written at Batavia, New York City Council Hearing (May 25, 1999). The Buffalo News reports that a noise ordinance amendment in Batavia, New York drew mixed reviews from citizens at the City Council public hearing. The amendment, targeting mainly barking dogs and loud music from cars, is intended to strengthen vague language from the original, setting "objective standards... for violations." One speaker said it was a "legal nightmare" suggesting that even ice cream trucks would be cited. One speaker of three said he would support the amendment, or anything to quiet the streets. The amendment will be voted on June 14.
Proposed "Entertainment Zones" in Seattle Would Relax Strict Noise Rules; Some See a Balance Between Residents and Vibrant Nightlife, Others See Residential Density Being Discouraged (May 22, 1999). Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Seattle's loudest late-night businesses may find refuge from the city's tough new noise ordinances -- including $250 fines -- in a new idea: Entertainment Zones. City council is considering designating designating these zones to allow a loud, vibrant nightlife to flourish in some areas while protecting residential tranquility in others. Many businesses love the idea, but at least one citizen group believes the zones would be unfair to current residents and contribute to urban sprawl. The columnists address the issue in a humorous way, following a luckless drunken man through his night.
Tavares, Florida City Council Considering Noise Ordinance After Resident Complaints About Nearby Restaurant (May 21, 1999). Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that Tavares, Florida's City Council is considering a noise ordinance that would fine violators -- which could include those making "any excessive sound that disturbs the peace, including music, barking dogs and construction" -- up to $500. If noise continues, violators could be required to appear before the city Code Enforcement Board. The ordinance stems from resident complaints about a 7-month-old neighborhood restaurant that plays loud music. While many council members support a noise law, some think it is too subjective. At least one member does not believe the city should be subjected to an ordinance because of problems in a particular area.
Deputies in Chain O' Lakes Area of Illinois Will Test Powerboats for Compliance with New Noise Ordinance (May 19, 1999). Chicago Tribune reports that marine police will be on hand to help powerboaters determine if their boats are within the new noise limits set by Fox Waterway Agency on the Chain O' Lakes near Chicago. The limit is 90 decibels, but passing under the limit does not mean a boater can not receive a ticket this season; it is meant to give boaters an idea of whether they need to take steps to quiet their engines.
Noise Laws in Durham, North Carolina Made Stricter in Response to Repeated Violence at Downtown Dance Club (May 18, 1999). The News and Observer reports that Durham, North Carolina has strengthened their noise and loitering laws in response to several incidents of violence this year at a downtown dance club. A fatal shooting outside the club in December, and serious injury resulting from a fist-fight in April convinced lawmakers the regulation was necessary. Wording of the laws are now more encompassing, meaning that patrons of "The Power Company" and other revelers can not "create noise that is "unreasonably loud" and "disturbing" or make sounds that exceed certain decibel levels at certain times."
Truckee, California's Town Council Considers Restrictions for Personal Watercraft on Donner Lake, Fearing Recent Restrictions at Lake Tahoe will Bring More Polluting Watercraft There (May 18, 1999). The Sacramento Bee reports that Truckee, California's Town Council is considering restrictions on the use of personal watercraft in Lake Donner. Nearby Lake Tahoe recently banned personal watercraft, and residents are afraid make people will come to Lake Donner instead. Personal watercraft release up to 1/4 of their fuel -- including MTBE, benzene, and other chemicals -- unburned into the water, which in turn is used as drinking water by lake-level residents and also imported into Nevada for drinking.
French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana is Site of Disagreement for Street Musicians and Parishioners Desiring Quiet (May 17, 1999). The Times-Picayune reports that a Cathedral in New Orleans' French Quarter has become a place of conflict between street musicians and parishioners. Parishioners claim their right to worship is being compromised by street musician's noise, and had threatened to sue the city; in response, no-noise signs have been erected and a pledge has been made by local police to enforce noise limits there.
Residents of Powell, Wyoming Still Finding Stock Car Races Too Loud After New Noise Ordinance Established (May 15, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that in Powell, Wyoming where a new noise ordinance has just been established, residents still find the County Fairground stock car races too loud. The new ordinance sets a limit of 80 decibels at 100 feet, and readings taken on May 8 showed an acceptable average; however, residents claim that particularly loud times still exceed the limits. A resident suggested planting a row of trees to buffer the race noise, and the Park Board is looking into the possibility.
Police Post Signs Barring Noise at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Street Musicians Are Upset and Think It's Just the Beginning (May 14, 1999). The Times-Picayune reports that police in New Orleans' French Quarter posted signs in front of St. Louis Cathedral suggesting musicians were not welcome. Musicians are upset, and some signs have disappeared. An attorney who has represented street performers in the past say the signs, intended to bar noise above 78 decibels 50 feet from its source during services, seem to suggest that no noise is acceptable at any time. Parishioners planned to sue for their right to worship without disruptive sound, but they are holding off since the city has posted the signs and promised to enforce the noise limits. The noise limits in the quarter are already above the 70 decibels in other residential areas of New Orleans.
Durham, North Carolina Noise/Trespassing Ordinances Revised to Keep Nightclub "Let-out" Quieter (May 11, 1999). The News and Observer reports that changes to Durham, North Carolina's noise and trespasssing ordinances, aimed at quieting nightclub 'let-out', will go to the City Council for approval. The "Power Company" nightclub has been the setting for a shooting and a major fist-fight in the last year, and city officials made the ordinance changes to give police more authority in keeping closing time quiet and orderly. The changes require patrons -- who can number in the thousands outside the club at closing -- to move to their car 'without delay', and define noise violations more loosely as "unreasonably loud and disturbing." In addition to the problems with violence, neighbors had been complaining about noise from music and unruly patrons.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Plans to Add Noise Control Officer Position, Revise Noise Law (May 8, 1999). The Albuquerque Journal reports that Albuquerque, New Mexico has requested $66,000 to buy noise monitoring equipment and create a new noise control position to help address the issue of urban noise. Though no noise control position existed, 6,000 hours of staff time were used dealing with noise complaints and related permits last year: the same as three full-time positions. The new position will focus on working with developers to curb noise before it becomes a problem, as well as responding to complaints, issuing permits, and educating the public.
Durham, North Carolina City Council May Amend Noise and Trespassing Ordinances to Discourage Raucous Gatherings in Club Parking Lot (May 8, 1999). The Herald-Sun reports that the Durham, North Carolina City Council is considering a noise and trespassing ordinance in city-owned parking facilities to discourage loud and raucous assemblies. After two people were killed in a December shooting and another man seriously injured in an April fight, the city is trying to eliminate crowds in their parking areas that can be conducive to violence. The amendment would require people to leave the parking lot after parking or returning to their car. The city would impose a new $2 nightly parking fee to pay for enforcement.
Saucon, Pennsylvania Town Planning Commission Will Fix Time Conflict Between Two Noise-Related Ordinances (May 7, 1999). The Morning Call reports that a 1987 construction ordinance and a newly proposed noise ordinance amendment conflict regarding the earliest time that noise is allowed in Saucon, Pennsylvania. The Town Planning Commission will reconcile the two ordinances before the noise ordinance is officially passed. The construction ordinance says noise can begin at 6 AM, while the noise ordinance says 7 AM.
Residents in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Oppose Minnesota Orchestra's Proposed Outdoor Amphitheater, Petition City Council to Ban Outdoor Amphitheaters in Residential Zones Entirely (May 7, 1999). The Star Tribune reports that nearly 400 people attended a recent Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) meeting on whether to grant a noise variance to the Minnesota Orchestra's proposed outdoor amphitheater in Brooklyn Park. Most were against the project, saying the amphitheater will increase traffic, crime, and noise. 14 homes and a church would need to agree to any noise variance, but at least two are refusing to negotiate.
Police in Naperville, Illinois Ask City Council for Noise Ordinance Amendment Allowing Impounding of Cars When Stereos Are Too Loud (May 6, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports that Naperville, Illinois police have asked city council to amend the noise ordinance to allow the impounding of cars when their stereos are too loud. The request comes in response to noise problems in a local parking lots in front of Walgreen's on the scenic Riverwalk. Teenagers often crank their stereos in the parking lot, fight, and "quite frankly make a point to intimidate other people." It would cost $250 to release an impounded car.
Proposed Ordinance in Plano, Texas Would Tighten Light and Noise Restrictions for Car-Related Businesses (May 5, 1999). The Dallas Morning News reports that Plano, Texas' Planning Commission is considering a noise ordinance proposal that would stictly limit the light and noise that a car-related business (such as a gas station) can allow to leave their property. 24-hour gas stations have been flooding residential communities with light and noise at night. The new ordinance would limit the light that can spill over to any area of a neighbors yard, limit sound to 60 dB in daytime and 55 dB at night, and would keep gas stations on the corners of city blocks. Fines for violations can be as high as $2000.
Proposed Ordinance to Ticket Owners of Barking Dogs Voted Down in Charleston County, South Carolina (May 5, 1999). The Post and Courier reports that a proposed ordinance in Charleston County, South Carolina that would have allowed police to charge dog owners whose pets bark continually was voted down 6-2. Persons convicted under the ordinance would have received a $500 fine. Although they were sympathetic to residents who have complained of incessantly barking dogs, several council members were concerned that the ordinance was unreasonable for rural residents who "expect to have animals around them" as part of their lifestyle; they maintained that an existing nuisance ordinance would allow problem-dog owners to be prosecuted.
Residents in California's Peninsula Communities Support Limits on Noise Levels and Operation Times for Leaf Blowers After One Peninsula Community Rejected an Outright Ban Last Year (May 4, 1999). The San Francisco Chronicle reports that residents in Palo Alto, California and other Peninsula communities support limiting noise levels from leaf blowers as well as hours of operation. A demonstration of four leaf blowers for the city council showed that noise from all of them exceeded the limits that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) claimed they met. Currently, if police identify a blower emitting over 70 decibels -- the present noise limit -- they can fine the violator $104. The Palo Alto city council wants a public hearing to determine if there is support for an outright ban
Fox Point, Wisconsin Considers Ordinance for Noisy, High Traffic Home Businesses (May 4, 1999). The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Fox Point, Wisconsin village officials are considering a noise ordinance that would deal with noise from home-based businesses. The issue was raised after several residents complained about a landscaping/snow removal business proprietor whose traffic and long-idling vehicles are disruptive.
Town Council in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Gives Town Manager 30 Days to Consult With Experts on Noise Controls, Though He Wanted More Time (May 3, 1999). The Chapel Hill Herald reports that the Town Council in Chapel Hill, North Carolina has given the Town Manager 30 days to consult with an acoustics expert before suggesting changes to a proposed noise ordinance. A committee researching noise limits suggested tightening the limits by 5 decibels; the changes would mean noise must be under 45 decibels at night and 50 decibels during the day. The Town Manager said his department didn't have expertise to determine if this was appropriate "practically, legally, and financially", and asked for several months to consult with an acoustics consultant.
Increased Enforcement of Nuisance Ordinances in Buffalo, New York Target Stereos, Loiterers and Minors (Apr. 29, 1999). The Buffalo News reports that Buffalo, New York is planning a crackdown on noise during the early summer. An existing curfew says children 16 years and younger can not be out after 11 PM on a week night, or midnight on a weekend, unattended. Police say that with crime dropping, they have more time to enforce minor violations like these; also, all police officers now carry a booklet detailing noise ordinances.
New Noise Ordinance in Evansville, Indiana Allows Police to Identify Violators by Distance, Eliminating Need for Decibel Meters (Apr. 29, 1999). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that a new Evansville, Indiana noise ordinance will forbid car stereos and boom boxes from being heard 30 feet away. Police will now be able to identify violators by measuring distance, and will not need decibel meters. Increasing noise complaints from residents prompted the new ordinance. About 50 residents attended a recent city council meeting to support the ordinance.
New Noise Ordinance in Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania Specifies Decibel Limits for Different Zones and Regulates Firing Ranges (Apr. 28, 1999). The Morning Call reports that a new noise ordinance in Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania tightens existing language, specifying decibel limits for different types of zones; the ordinance comes in response to resident complaints and an ambiguous definition of what constitutes a firing range. In residential and conservation zones, noise may not exceed 64 dB from 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and may not exceed 58 dB at other times. Noise from commercial zones must be kept under 70 decibels from 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and below 65 decibels at other times. Noise from industrial and agricultural zones must be below 74 decibels at all times.
New Manatee County, Florida Noise Ordinance Sets Clear Decibel Limits and Carries Stiff Fines (Apr. 27, 1999). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that a new noise ordinance in Manatee County, Florida will sets strict noise limits and stiff penalties. Fines may be as high as $500, and even a 60-day jail term may be levied in the worst cases. In addition, a 'reasonable person standard' allows officers to issue citations in cases where the numerical noise limits are met while the situation seems unreasonable.
Noise from Nightclub in Spring Hill, Florida Keeps Neighbors Up, Though Sound is Within Ordinance Limits (Apr. 26, 1999). The St. Petersburg Times reports that music from Spring Hill, Florida's nightclub Planet Bubba is too loud for residents, though the volume is under local decibel limits. Though the club is located in a commercial district, nearby residents complain that the bass remains too loud and disrupts their sleep. Owner of the nightclub and local radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem claims that he spent $50,000 on a 'compressor limiter' to cap the amplified volume, insulated walls, and moved entrances in an attempt to limit noise; he is upset that he is still being hounded even though he meets the noise ordinance.
Newport, Washington Police Chief Proposes Ban on Booming Car Stereos (Apr. 25, 1999). The Spokesman-Review reports the local police chief in Newport, Washington wants to ban excessively-loud bass-heavy car stereos that disrupt local residents and businesses. An employee of a local chiropractic clinic said "We don't let [economically important] loggers use jake brakes, so why do we let young people boom us out?" The police chief lives 100-200 feet from U.S. 2, but can still hear the loudest stereos. Other members of the City Council haven't heard complaints and don't believe it's a problem; they'd prefer to rely on the existing ordinance.
Investors Query Los Angeles Travelers To Determine If a Coast-to-coast Service Out of Burbank, California Airport Would Be Utilized (Apr. 22, 1999). The Los Angeles Daily News reports that a start-up company is hoping to integrate coast-to-coast flights into the services currently offered at Burbank Airport despite the concerns of Burbank officials that nonstop flights will trouble neighbors with noise problems.
Landlords in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey Bear the Brunt of Noisy Tenants as Noise Ordinance is Enforced (Apr. 20, 1999). Asbury Park Press reports that landlords in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey are being held responsible for noise citations issued to their tenants. Five landlords appeared in court yesterday to face charges, despite claims that the 1994 ordinance does not alert landowners of their tenant's citations until it is too late to evict them.
Opponents of Newsom's Proposed Nightclub-Protection Zone Speak Out Against Expected Noise, Crime and Trash (Apr. 20, 1999). San Francisco Chronicle reports that despite Supervisor Gavin Newsom's determination to make a safety zone for nightclub owners in his district, residents are speaking out in opposition to the proposed legislature which they say will create nothing but hassles. Meanwhile Newsom argues that the ordinance is necessary to preserve the feel of San Francisco's SoMa area which he says is being overrun by loft dwellers.
NC Residents Seek Relief from Noise and Artificial Light (Apr. 17, 1999). The Morning Star reports the Ocean Isle Beach Planning Board will meet later this month to craft ordinances that regulate noise and outdoor lighting as neighborhoods expand on the North Carolina barrier island.
With Noise Ordinance Vote, Arkansas Town Remains Quiet (Apr. 17, 1999). The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports residents of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, sent a message loud and clear Tuesday that they want a quiet little town.
South Carolina County Considers Noisy Animal Ordinance (Apr. 16, 1999). The Post and Courier reports the Charleston, South Carolina, County Council, is working to create a fair and enforceable noise ordinance that will give relief to neighbors annoyed by animal noise.
NC Town Amends Noise Ordinance, Debates Purchase of Noise Meters (Apr. 15, 1999). The Morning Star (Wilmington, NC) reports the Carolina Beach, North Carolina, town council took steps Tuesday night to eliminate disparities in its noise ordinance.
Texas Town Fines Low-Flying Plane; FAA Says Cities Don't Control Airspace (Apr. 12, 1999). The Austin American-Statesman reports in its latest attempt to control noise from the Addison Airport, the town of Fairview, Texas, recently fine a pilot for violating the town's noise ordinance by flying too low.
Automobile Noise Regulations Now Law in Raleigh, NC (Apr. 8, 1999). The News and Observer reports in attempt to regulate noise from high-powered car stereos, the Raleigh, North Carolina, City Council unanimously approved an automobile noise ordinance Tuesday.
New Noise Ordinance in Florida Town will Require Special Permits (Apr. 6, 1999). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports Palmetto, Florida, officials will seek public input on the city's proposed noise-control ordinance amendments at a hearing scheduled for May 3.
Michigan Town Wants to Lower Volume on Noisy Car Stereos (Apr. 5, 1999). The Associated Press reports some residents of Saginaw Township, Michigan, want to see a change in a local noise ordinance that would focus on noisy car stereos.
Wisconsin Powerboat Group Challenges Noise Ordinance (Apr. 5, 1999). Chicago Tribune reports a powerboater association will ask for a repeal of a new boating noise ordinance enacted by a waterway authority in Wisconsin.
Raleigh, NC, Home of Db (Decibel) Drag Racer Champion, Adopts Car Audio Ordinance (Apr. 3, 1999). The News and Observer reports in an attempt to control drive-by concerts, Raleigh, North Carolina, will likely adopt an ordinance prohibiting music that is audible 50 feet from a vehicle.
Florida Town Restricts Lawn-Mowing Hours after Residents Complain of Noise (Apr. 2, 1999). The Sun-Sentinel reports the town of Margate, Florida, has crafted a new ordinance to specifically target lawn-mowing noise.
High School Prom Committee to Request Exception to Noise Ordinance in Newport Beach, California (Mar. 31, 1999). The Los Angeles Times reports high school students in Newport Beach, California, have come up against a noise ordinance in planning the 2000 prom.
Highland Park, Texas, Works to Educate Public and Enforce New Leafblower Noise Ordinance (Mar. 31, 1999). The Dallas Morning News reports officials are working to make sure residents of Texas town follow a new leafblower noise ordinance.
Raleigh, NC, Revises Noise Ordinance to Regulate Businesses that Feature Music; Many Homeowners Remain Dissatisfied (Mar. 27, 1999). The News and Observer reports Raleigh, North Carolina, leaders said they tried to balance concern for neighbors' peace and quiet with the needs of a lively urban life when they drafted a revised noise ordinance.
Clinton, Connecticut, Drafts Noise Ordinance (Mar. 24, 1999). The Hartford Courant reports the town of Clinton, Connecticut, is writing a noise ordinance in response to residents' complaints.
Raleigh Committee Endorses Less Stringent Noise Law; Neighborhood Activists Discuss Strategy to Defeat Ordinance (Mar. 24, 1999). The News and Observer reports a Raleigh City Council subcommittee Tuesday endorsed, on a split vote, a noise ordinance that would allow music-playing businesses in neighborhoods.
Denver Councilman Calls for Greater Police Effort to Enforce City's Noise Laws (Mar. 20, 1999). The Denver Post reports a Denver city councilman is pushing for stricter enforcement of the city's noise ordinances.
RI Town Designates "Noise-Sensitive Areas;" Amends Noise Ordinance (Mar. 18, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports the town of Richmond, Rhode Island, voted to approve amendments to its noise ordinance, creating a "noise-sensitive area" around certain public buildings.
City Council Panel Proposes Updated Noise Ordinance for Raleigh, NC (Mar. 17, 1999). The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC) reports a Raleigh, North Carolina, City Council subcommittee has drafted a new version of a much-questioned noise ordinance.
Penn. Town Passes Stiff Noise Ordinance to Preserve Quality of Life (Mar. 17, 1999). The Morning Call reports Bethlehem residents were heard Tuesday as the city council enacted one law to discourage noisy peace-breakers and started work on another to restrict BYOB clubs.
Proposed Ordinance in RI Town Would Create Decibel-Limit Zones (Mar. 17, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports the Richmond Town Council will resume a public hearing tonight on a proposal to strengthen the town noise ordinance.
Illinois Waterway Agency Drafts Noise Ordinance that will Fine Noisy Boaters (Mar. 16, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports directors of a waterway in Illinois are planning to adopt an ordinance that will fine boaters for creating excessive noise.
Speedway Moratorium Overturned in Haywood, NC; Noise Opponents Say County Caved in to Pressure from Fans (Mar. 16, 1999). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports an embattled speedway project may still happen in Haywood County, North Carolina, now that commissioners have lifted the racetrack moratorium.
Noise Levels for Martin County, Florida, Ordinance May Be Too Low (Mar. 14, 1999). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports the Martin County, Florida, noise ordinance is the most restrictive of its kind in the area and could make enforcement difficult.
Trash Truck Terminal in Quincy, Mass., Ordered to Keep Quiet Until 7 A.M. (Mar. 10, 1999). The Patriot Ledger reports the city license board of Quincy, Massachusetts, voted to keep a trash truck terminal quiet until 7 a.m. after residents complained of losing sleep due to early morning noise made by the company.
Keep Your Music to Yourself; Colorado Town Teaches Lesson to Noise Scofflaws (Mar. 6, 1999). The Associated Press reports the town of Fort Lupton, Colorado, has devised a unique and effective penalty for those who violate the noise ordinance by blasting music from their cars.
NJ Town Votes on Noise Ordinance; Residents Want Law to Cover More Noise Sources (Mar. 3, 1999). The Morning Call reports the Bethlehem, New Jersey, City Council Tuesday rejected suggestions to create a broad noise ordinance in favor of passing an uncomplicated noise law that targets the most frequent offenders.
Calif. Town Considers Off-Road Vehicle Ordinance; Meanwhile, Posts City Property and Increases Enforcement of Noise Ordinance (Mar. 2, 1999). The Press-Enterprise reports the City Council in Calimesa, California, is considering adopting an off-road vehicle ordinance in response to residents' complaints of noise and other related disturbances.
Palmetto, Florida, Looks to Remove Exemptions from Current Noise Ordinance (Mar. 2, 1999). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports spurred by noise from the Manatee County Fairgrounds, the Palmetto, Florida, City Council plans to tighten the town's noise ordinance, eliminating a number of exemptions.
Palmetto, Florida, Seeks to Create Enforceable Noise Ordinance with a 'Bite' (Feb. 27, 1999). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports noise complaints from a new arena has prompted the city of Palmetto, Florida, to rewrite their noise ordinance.
Henderson, North Carolina, Establishes New Noise Ordinance using Sound Levels (Feb. 26, 1999). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports Henderson County, North Carolina, has adopted a new noise ordinance, effective July 1, 1999.
Noise from Stereos and Car Alarms Spur Penn. Town to Adopt New Noise Ordinance (Feb. 26, 1999). The Morning Call reports the City Council of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is set to approve a new noise ordinance after residents complained of loud music and the noise from car alarms.
Night-Time Train Whistles Bother Illinois Residents; Meetings Scheduled with Railroads. In Other Noise News: Vernon Hills Trustees Allow Weekend Construction (Feb. 24, 1999). The Chicago Daily Herald reports residents in Vernon Hills, Illinois, annoyed by the sound of train whistles late at night, plan to join other towns in asking railroads to stop the noise.
Annapolis, MD, Residents Want Ordinance to Protect Them Against Nighttime Noise Disturbances (Feb. 23, 1999). The Baltimore Sun reports Annapolis, Maryland, residents seek an ordinance that will provide them with peace and quiet during the night.
Keep Your Music to Yourself; Florida County Adopts Noise Ordinance Aimed at Lowering the Volume of Boomboxes at the Beach (Feb. 23, 1999). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune published an editorial supporting the adoption of a noise ordinance to quell loud beach music in Volusia County, Florida.
Illinois Town Rejects Noise Ordinance as Too Broad and Restrictive (Feb. 22, 1999). The Chicago Tribune reports late last week, the village board of Winfield, Illinois, voted to reject a proposed noise ordinance that many residents argued was unnecessary and too broad.
Neighbors Object to Noise from Dog Kennel in Spring Lake, Florida (Feb. 22, 1999). The Petersburg Times reports the noise from a dog kennel has pitted neighbors against the dogs' owner in Spring Lake, Florida.
Henderson, NC, Looks to Revise Noise Ordinance Draft by Increasing Allowable Noise Levels (Feb. 19, 1999). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports Henderson County, North Carolina, officials are considering relaxing their proposed noise ordinance by allowing increased noise levels and exempting businesses and industries.
Rhode Island Town Seeks Enforceable and Reasonable Noise Ordinance (Feb. 15, 1999). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports the town of Westerly, Rhode Island, is updating its noise ordinance to make it easier to enforce.
Residents Consider Noise Ordinance in Conn. Town (Nov. 24, 1998). The Hartford Courant reports Ellington, Connecticut, residents gathered Monday at a town ordinance meeting addressing noise and blight.
Florida Citizens Petition for Peace and Quiet; Ask for Regulation of Water Scooters (Nov. 22, 1998). The St. Petersburg Times reports a petition signed by residents of a Florida town who object to noise from water scooters has prompted the city to consider a new ordinance.
Annapolis, MD, Officials Draft Enforceable Noise Law (Nov. 20, 1998). The Capital reports officials in Annapolis, Maryland, are revising their noise laws to make them easier for police to enforce.
North Carolina County to Create Noise Ordinance Before Allowing New Racetrack (Nov. 19, 1998). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports Henderson County Commissioners on Wednesday considered a first draft of a noise ordinance they will finalize before lifting a moratorium on the construction of any racetracks in the North Carolina county.
Penn. Town Writes Noise Ordinance in Response to Complaints about Club (Nov. 19, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the town of Forest Hills, Pennsylvania, is on its way to passing its first noise ordinance.
Noise Ordinance in Bristol, RI, Challenged and Repealed for Being Too Broad and Vague (Nov. 18, 1998). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports the town of Bristol, RI, has agreed to repeal a noise ordinance that was challenged in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties of Rhode Island.
South Carolina Police Gun Club Cooperates with Neighbors about Noise Complaints (Nov. 16, 1998). The Herald reports a Rock Hill, South Carolina, police firing range has drawn several noise complaints from neighbors, but the owners promise more quiet.
Growth Brings Noise to Ohio Township, Including Din from Church Gatherings (Nov. 14, 1998). The Cincinnati Enquirer reports officials and residents of Hamilton Township, Ohio, are considering the merits of a noise ordinance in the wake of complaints about late-night noise from teen gatherings at a local church.
Business Reps. Convince Madison, WI, Commission to Reject Noise Ordinance (Nov. 13, 1998). The Wisconsin State Journal reports the Madison, Wisconsin, Economic Development Commission rejected a proposed noise ordinance Thursday.
Outdoor Amplified Music Banned on Public Property in Stuart, Florida (Nov. 12, 1998). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports a resident's complaints about noise has stopped the outdoor Sunday music in Stuart, Florida. Restaurant owners say the city's order has foiled their means of drawing business into downtown on Sundays.
Noise Ordinance Before Speedway, Say North Carolina County Officials (Nov. 11, 1998). The Asheville Citizen-Times reports officials in Henderson County, Florida, are considering a moratorium on the construction of racetracks until a noise ordinance is in place.
Noise from Crematory Gets Action from Conn. Town Council (Oct. 20, 1998). The Hartford Courant reports neighbors of a crematory in Enfield, Connecticut, were successful Monday night in getting their town council to take action after they voiced complaints about noise from the operation.
RI Residents Say Quarry is Loud and Unwelcome Neighbor (Oct. 19, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports tests performed at a quarry in Cumberland, Rhode Island, show that the quarry meets federal noise and vibration standards, town officials say. Residents questioned the accuracy of the readings and insist the noise from quarry is unacceptable.
RI Town Moves Toward Drafting Enforceable Noise Ordinance (Oct. 19, 1998). Providence Journal-Bulletin reports noise problems from loud cars to early morning industrial operations prove challenging to Rhode Island residents.
NH Couple Prosecuted after Neighbors Complain of Noisy Geese (Oct. 16, 1998). The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports a New Hampshire couple is being prosecuted for noise violations after neighbors complained about noisy animals.
Newport, Rhode Island, Waives Noise Ordinance for High School Football Games (Oct. 15, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports officials in Newport, Rhode Island, waived the noise ordinance for the season's remaining high school football games after neighbors complained of noise at a local field.
Santa Fe Airport Neighbors Seek Noise Abatement Ordinance (Oct. 15, 1998). The Albuquerque Tribune reports a group of airport neighbors contend Santa Fe Airport officials are ignoring complaints about too many low-flying ear-piercing planes over homes in New Mexico at all hours.
Town in Washington Adopts Noise Ordinance After Hearing Complaints about Car Stereos (Oct. 15, 1998). The Seattle Times reports the Woodinville, Washington, City Council has adopted a noise ordinance after receiving numerous noise complaints from citizens about loud car stereos.
Florida's Martin County Enacts Noise Ordinance (Oct. 14, 1998). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports many residents of Stuart, Florida, are pleased with new noise restrictions adopted by the commissioners of Martin County.
Group Outlines Requests in Effort to Live with Noise from New Mexico's Santa Fe Airport (Oct. 14, 1998). The Santa Fe New Mexican reports residents who live near New Mexico's Santa Fe Municipal Airport will bring their requests to county commissioners in an effort to get support in lowering airplane noise.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, Airport Neighbors Seek Noise Abatement Ordinance after "Flying Friendly" Program Fails (Oct. 14, 1998). The Associated Press reports neighbors of New Mexico's Santa Fe Airport are dissatisfied with the level of cooperation they've received from airport officials about noise complaints.
'Quiet on the Lot' for Universal Studios if County Noise Restrictions Approved (Oct. 10, 1998). The Calgary Herald reports Hollywood's Universal Studios may be the first southern California studio to have noise restrictions on its lots.
Knoxville, Tennessee, Passes New Noise Ordinance (Oct. 9, 1998). The Commercial Appeal reports Knoxville, Tennessee, is setting stricter standards for quiet.
Proposed Legislation Requires $300 Fine for Noisy Car Stereos and Car Alarms in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Oct. 6, 1998). The Morning Call reports that Bethlehem Mayor Don Cunningham will propose amending the existing noise ordinance. The proposed amendment levies fines up to $300 for booming car stereos and deafening car alarms.
Business Challenges Village's Noise Ordinance in Court (Oct. 1, 1998). The Times Union reports that a long-standing scrap metal business is challenging Green Island's newly amended noise ordinance.
Missouri Alderman Sponsors Bill to Restrict Speedway Operations, Citing Noise Complaints (Oct. 1, 1998). The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports a St. Peters, Missouri, Alderman is pushing a bill to further restrict noise from the St. Charles Speedway.
Chicago Alderman Seeks to Soften City's Noise Ordinance, Claiming Ban on Loud Car Music Hurts Retailers (Sep. 30, 1998). The Chicago Tribune reports a Chicago, Illinois, City Alderman has introduced an initiative to amend the city's 1996 ordinance that bans loud music in cars. Opponents of the current noise ordinance say it hurts business at car-audio retailers.
City Council in Sunnyvale, CA, Discusses Leaf Blower Noise (Sep. 29, 1998). The San Francisco Chronicle reports the city council in Sunnyvale, California, will meet to discuss the effect of noise on the community, including noise created by leaf blowers.
Eliminating Truck Noise in Illinois Town May Come at High Economic Cost (Sep. 24, 1998). The Chicago Daily Herald reports an Illinois town is considering eliminating or rerouting truck traffic due to noise and pollution problems.
Florida Town Adopts New Noise Ordinance (Sep. 24, 1998). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports city council members in Mascotte, Florida, hope to maintain peace and quiet in their community with the recent passage of an anti- noise ordinance.
Illinois Town Conducts Study to Solve Truck Traffic Noise (Sep. 23, 1998). The Chicago Daily Herald reports noisy truck traffic through east-side residential streets in South Elgin, Illinois, may come to an end depending on the results of a village truck-traffic study.
Indianapolis Resident Says Police Unwilling to Enforce Noise Ordinances Downtown (Sep. 23, 1998). The Indianapolis Star published the following letter from Arthur J. Usher IV, an Indianapolis, Indiana, resident. Usher contends the city police are unwilling to enforce noise ordinances, making living in the city practically unbearable. Usher wrote:
Neighbors Accuse Wendy's Restaurant in Florida of Violating Noise Ordinance (Sep. 23, 1998). The Sun-Sentinel reports neighbors of a Wendy's restaurant in Pembroke Pines, Florida, say trucks making early morning deliveries are robbing them of their sleep.
Residents Circulate Petition to Silence Train Whistles in British Columbia Town (Sep. 23, 1998). The Vancouver Sun reports residents living close to rail lines in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, are renewing a campaign to get train whistles silenced.
City Outlaws Nighttime Use of Loudspeakers in Lauderhill, Florida (Sep. 18, 1998). The Sun-Sentinel reports that a city commission in Florida has approved a noise ordinance that prohibits the use of loudspeakers near residential areas between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekdays.
Richmond, British Columbia, Establishes Restrictions for "Raves" after Neighbors in Vancouver Complain (Sep. 17, 1998). The Vancouver Sun reports after numerous complaints about noise from a recent rave party in Richmond, British Columbia, town officials adopt restrictions.
Tourists Don't Like Noise, Say Business Owners who want Tough Noise Laws in Bar Harbor, Maine (Sep. 16, 1998). The Bangor Daily News reports several Bar Harbor, Maine, residents and business owners say the town is too noisy.
Editorial Calls on Florida Commissioners to Use Existing Laws to Quiet Raves (Sep. 10, 1998). The St. Petersburg Times published an editorial in which the author takes exception to Florida county commissioner Pat Mulieri's request to ban late-night outdoor dance concerts known as raves.
Neighbors Complain about Nightclub Noise, Legal Action May Lead to Florida Club Shutdown (Sep. 10, 1998). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports authorities could start procedures to close a nightclub in Sarasota, Florida, after neighbors charge the club violated a noise agreement.
City Officials in Quincy, MA, Act to Restore Quiet in Neighborhoods (Sep. 10, 1998). The Patriot Ledger reports city officials in Quincy, Massachusetts, are taking action to give residents relief from noise made by barges unloading oil and early morning dumpster pickups.
Seekonk, Mass., Adopts New Anti-Noise Regulations (Sep. 9, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports new anti- noise regulation are included among a package of local bylaws in Seekonk, Massachusetts, just given approval by the attorney general's office.
Hillsborough, NC, Restricts Truck Traffic to Make Town Quieter and Safer (Sep. 9, 1998). The Chapel Hill Herald reports an ordinance restricting truck traffic on Churton Street in Hillsborough, North Carolina, seems to be having its intended effect, making the area safer and more quiet.
Florida Commissioner Asks for Review of County's Ordinances After All-Night Concert Sparks Noise Complaints (Sep. 9, 1998). The St. Petersburg Times reports last weekend's all-night "rave" party in Pasco, Florida, was noisy enough to prompt one county commissioner to seek a change in the way the county permits such events.
Albuquerque Considers Ordinance Restricting Heliports after Residents Complain of Noise from TV News Helicopters (Sep. 4, 1998). The Albuquerque Tribune reports the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Environmental Planning Commission is considering an ordinance restricting heliports after residents complained of noise from news helicopters that take off and land near their homes.
Knoxville, Tennessee City Council Finds it Difficult to Please Everyone with Noise Ordinance (Sep. 4, 1998). The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports Tennessee's Knoxville City Council is working hard to establish enforceable noise regulations that will please business owners and residents.
Police Crackdown on Street Noise in Santa Ana, California (Aug. 19, 1998). The Los Angeles Times reports that police in Santa Ana, California may begin fining repeat noise offenders or even confiscating their amplifiers.
Ordinance Tries to Suppress Noise in Hamburg, New York (Aug. 18, 1998). The Buffalo News reports that the Village of Hamburg has adopted an eight-page noise ordinance. The ordinance prohibits a person from intentionally causing "public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm or recklessly creating a risk thereof by making unreasonable noise. "
Seniors Articulate Divergent Views on the Need for Noise Regulations (Aug. 16, 1998). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pittsburgh City Council has passed a noise-pollution ordinance. Correspondent Jeanne Dutel-Martino interviews residents at a Retirement Center in the suburban community of Pine about the need for a noise-pollution ordinance in their community. Residents responded to the question: "Would you like to see similar [noise] ordinances in the suburbs?"
Mayor Assigns Two Additional Police Officers to Buttress Enforcement of Noise Ordinance in Providence, Rhode Island (Aug. 14, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. has decided to assign two additional police officers to downtown Providence to buttress enforcement of the city's noise ordinance.
Newport, Maine Adopts a Prohibition on Amplified Entertainment (Aug. 13, 1998). Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that Newport's City Council has adopted an amendment to its existing noise ordinance to prohibit amplified entertainment after 8 p.m.
Winter Park's City Council Prohibits Engineers from Blowing Their Whistles (Aug. 13, 1998). The Denver Post reports that the town council in Winter Park unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the train engineers from blowing their whistles at the two crossings last month. The new development was spurred on by complaints from developers, lodging owners, visitors, and local residents.
City Council in Port Allen, Louisiana Votes Unanimously to Modify Noise Ordinance (Aug. 13, 1998). The Port Allen Advocate announced the city council's unanimous vote to revise the city's noise ordinance. The revised ordinance is an effort to reduce the loud "boom box" music and is fashioned to allow the chief of police more discretion in writing citations.
Committee Will Consider Curfews on Business Practices in an Effort to Curb Noise in Weymouth, Massachusetts (Aug. 13, 1998). The Patriot Ledger reports that Selectman are forming a seven-member committee that will recommend new town bylaws that would disallow noisy business practices early in the morning and late at night.
Madison Imposes Restrictions in Stadium Area After Residents Complain of Noise (Aug. 10, 1998). The Capital Times reports new, tougher rules in Madison, Wisconsin, will limit hours for outdoor beer gardens during this season's University of Wisconsin football games.
Police Officers Crack Down on Noise Violators at Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey (Aug. 10, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports that Point Pleasant Beach has issued a new noise ordinance that stipulates how much noise is acceptable. Persons who exceed the limits can be issued summonses.
Selective Enforcement of Noise Ordinance a Concern Says Pittsburgh Editorialist (Aug. 9, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published the following editorial regarding the enforcement of the city's new noise ordinance. The editorialist says that if the ordinance is "enforced selectively on the basis of race or age or neighborhood, citizens will make their discontent known - loud and clear. Most Pittsburghers want a more civil society, but not at the cost of fairness."
New Noise Ordinance Widely Endorsed at Knoxville City Council Workshop (Aug. 7, 1998). The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Knoxville's newly proposed noise ordinance was widely endorsed by a variety of individuals and groups at a recent City Council workshop.
Illinois Town Adopts Ordinance to Limit Noisy Pets (Aug. 7, 1998). The Chicago Daily Herald reports owners of animals that make excessive and continuous noise will be fined in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in an effort to bring peace to neighborhoods.
ACLU Says Noise Ordinance in Bristol, RI, Violates First Amendment, Files Lawsuit (Aug. 6, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports the ACLU of Rhode Island has filed a federal lawsuit charging that the town of Bristol's noise ordinance violates the First Amendment.
Penn. Residents Want Noise Ordinance Enforced at Club in Neighboring Town (Aug. 6, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports residents of one Pennsylvania town are bothered by noise coming from a club just over the line in a nearby town. Forest Hills residents are pushing for Wilkinsburg to enforce its own noise ordinances.
NJ Bill Would Replace Earsplitting Train Horns with Bells at Crossings (Aug. 5, 1998). The Record reports a New Jersey state bill, introduced in the Assembly last week, would require trains to use bells instead of loud horns at grade crossings at a town's request.
Maine Residents Object to Noise from Salvation Army's New 1,421 Seat Pavilion (Aug. 5, 1998). The Portland Press Herald reports on opening night of The Salvation Army's new pavilion in Old Orchard Beach, the noise was already too loud for neighbors. The group received a summons from police to appear in court for violating the town's noise ordinance.
Mayor in Pontiac, Illinois Must Decide Whether Bar Violated City's Liquor Code When Its Loud Music Disturbed Next-door Neighbors (Aug. 5, 1998). The Pantagraph reports that the mayor of Pontiac, Illinois will decide whether a local bar violated the city's noise ordinance when it played loud music disturbing its neighbors.
Editorialist Decides Ice Cream Truck Noise Permissible in Spite of Its Extreme Annoyance to Young Parents (Aug. 5, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published the following editorial in which the editorialist imagines the enforcement of Pittsburgh's new noise ordinance against ice cream trucks in the suburbs. The editorialist resolves that ice cream truck noise should be tolerated despite its extreme annoyance to parents of young children.
Florida County Drops Grandfathering Clause in Proposed Noise Ordinance (Aug. 5, 1998). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports Martin County, Florida's, proposed noise rules could cost some businesses thousands of dollars to be in compliance.
Noise and Conduct Ordinance Receives Final Approval from Pittsburgh City Council (Aug. 4, 1998). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Council has approved new "noise pollution" legislation intended to improve the city's quality of life. The ordinance was written as a response to residents' complaints about booming car stereos and is expected to take effect October 1, provided the mayor signs the bill.
Resident Questions Fairness of Noise Ordinance in Montgomery, Alabama (Aug. 3, 1998). The Montgomery Advertiser published the following letter from Hal Johnson of Montgomery, Alabama. The letter criticizes Montgomery's noise ordinance. Johnson wrote:
Local Noise Ordinance Enforced After Much Delay in Salt Lake City, Utah (Jul. 30, 1998). The Deseret News published the following letter to the editor regarding the much-delayed enforcement of a local noise ordinance in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Proposed Noise Ordinance Targets Loud Car Stereos and Receives Initial Approval from Pittsburgh’s City Council (Jul. 30, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Mayor Murphy is expected to sign a noise ordinance if City Council gives its final approval August 3. The Council has already given preliminary approval to the ordinance, which provides tougher fines for noise violators and threatens repeat offenders with “booting” of their cars when the penalty fines are not paid.
New Mexico Town Considers Exempting Ice Cream Trucks From Noise Ordinance (Jul. 29, 1998). The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Village Council in Corrales, New Mexico will consider amending its noise ordinance to exempt ice cream truck vendors. The article says the council voted unanimously Tuesday to consider the issue next month.
Knoxville, Tennessee, Plans to Update City's Noise Ordinance (Jul. 27, 1998). The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports Knoxville, Tennessee's City Council agenda for Tuesday night includes proposals to update the city's thirty-year-old noise ordinance to make it more enforceable.
Alabama Man Waits to Find Out Whether State Supreme Court Will Hear His Challenge of City Noise Ordinance (Jul. 26, 1998). The Montgomery Advertiser reports that Eddie Lee Moore, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, received a citation under the city's noise ordinance in 1996 for playing his car radio too loud. Now, Moore is waiting to hear whether the Alabama Supreme Court will hear his challenge to the constitutionality of the noise ordinance. The article notes that Moore is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Columnist Argues Pittsburgh Decibel Limit Should Be Lowered, But Questions Whether Lower Limit Can Be Enforced (Jul. 26, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette printed an editorial that says a proposal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to lower the permitted decibel limit is probably a good one. But, the editorial argues, it is difficult to imagine enough police enforcement to truly do away with noise pollution.
Florida Town Passes New Noise Restrictions After Making Concessions to Resort and Bar Owners (Jul. 26, 1998). The St. Petersburg Times reports that the City Commission in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida unanimously approved changes to its noise ordinance last week after weakening the proposed rules in a concession to hotel owners. The article says that eight large resort owners had opposed the changes to the noise rules. But, Tuesday, hotel managers said the noise ordinance approved by the Commission would benefit both frustrated residents and hotel guests.
North Carolina Resident Says Officials Should Enforce a Noise Ordinance (Jul. 26, 1998). The Herald-Sun printed a letter-to-the-editor from Jacqueline Harris, a Durham, North Carolina resident, arguing that the City and County Councils should enforce noise and health ordinances:
Officials and Residents Say Alabama City is Quieter Since Crackdown on Car Boom Boxes (Jul. 26, 1998). The Montgomery Advertiser reports that residents and officials in Montgomery, Alabama say that since the Montgomery City Council called for aggressive enforcement of the noise ordinance and raised the minimum fine for violations in 1996, noise from loud car stereos has decreased.
Some Residents Angry at Hefty Fines for Noise Violations in New Jersey Shore Towns (Jul. 26, 1998). The Record reports that towns along New Jersey's shoreline are attempting to keep life peaceful during the busy summer season by imposing stiff fines for noise pollution, disorderly conduct, and public urination. The rules have angered some residents, but local officials say the high fines are an effective deterrent.
Police in New York Town Crack Down on Loud Car Stereos (Jul. 24, 1998). The Buffalo News reports that police in Jamestown, New York have started to crack down on loud car stereos recently, after a new noise ordinance was passed by the City Council earlier this year. The article goes on to describe a citation that was issued by a police officer for a loud car stereo on Wednesday.
New York Town Tables Proposal to Rescind Leaf-Blower Ban (Jul. 23, 1998). Newsday reports that the City Council in Long Beach, New York tabled a proposal to rescind the ban on gas-powered leaf-blowers Tuesday, after an outpouring of opposition to the idea. Residents called for the ban to be enforced, while gardeners complained that they need leaf-blowers.
Pittsburgh City Council Considers Lowering Decibel Limit for Car Stereos (Jul. 22, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the City Council in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will consider an ordinance Wednesday that would lower the lawful noise level for car stereos from 85 decibels to 68 decibels, the level used in New York City. The proposal would allow police to impound cars after a second citation.
Business Owners Object to Proposed Changes in Wisconsin City's Noise Ordinance (Jul. 21, 1998). The Capital Times reports that the Plan Commission in Madison, Wisconsin held a public meeting Monday to discuss proposed changes in the city's noise ordinance. A group of local manufacturers and business owners turned out at the meeting, objecting to the proposed changes. The commission sent the issue back to a committee for more study.
Florida Town Passes New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 21, 1998). The Sun-Sentinel reports that city commissioners in Weston, Florida voted unanimously Monday to approve a noise ordinance that will give Broward County Sheriff's Office deputies the power to issue citations for people making "loud or raucous noise."
New York Town Considers New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 21, 1998). The Buffalo News reports that the Village Board in Hamburg, New York will hold a public hearing on August 17 to discuss a proposed noise oridnance.
New York Island Community Passes Strict Noise Ordinance Among Some Controversy (Jul. 19, 1998). Newsday reports that the Town Board in Shelter Island, New York unanimously approved a strict noise ordinance on June 19. The article notes that the town was split on the issue, with two opposing petitions collecting almost an equal number of signatures.
Calfornia State Assembly Member (Jul. 17, 1998). The Daily News of Los Angeles printed an editorial by George Runner, a California Assembly member (R-Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita), arguing that the Los Angeles City Council passed an arbitrary and unfair ordinance when it banned gas-powered leaf-blowers. The writer notes that the Assembly's Local Government Committee narrowly approved a bill that would overturn that ban. The editorial says that Republicans in the Assembly advocate an approach that allows local governments to establish noise standards as technologies develop without seriously damaging the gardening industry.
Colorado City Bans Jake Brakes on Large Trucks (Jul. 17, 1998). The Denver Post reports that the City Council in Northglenn, Colorado voted last week to ban the use of "jake brakes" on large trucks, which emit a series of loud popping noises, within the city limits. The article notes that residents have complained about the noise from the jake brakes from semis on Interstate 25 between 120th and 104th Avenues.
New Mexico County Passes Noise Ordinance (Jul. 17, 1998). The Albuquerque Journal reports that Grant County Commissioners in Silver City, New Mexico approved a noise ordinance Tuesday that took effect immediately.
Indiana County Approves New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 15, 1998). The Indianapolis Star reports that County Commissioners in Hendricks County, Indiana approved a new ordinance Monday designed to regulate excessive noise and disorderly conduct. The ordinance allows officers to issue citations for violations, and to issue warnings on the first offense.
California City Considers New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 14, 1998). The Ventura County Star reports that the City Council in Moorpark, California will consider approving a new noise ordinance on Wednesday. The ordinance would replace a current section in the municipal code with more specific language about which noises are prohibited and when they are prohibited. The article notes that the proposed ordinance was approved by the Planning Commission earlier this year.
Town's on New York's Long Island Struggle With How and Whether to Ban Leaf-Blowers (Jul. 12, 1998). The New York Times reports that towns and villages across Long Island in New York are struggling with how and whether to ban gas-powered leaf-blowers. The article says that some municipalities have passed an outright ban on the blowers during the summer, while others recently have passed rules that define acceptable decibel levels for the blowers. Still others are considering bans, and one city which banned blowers four years ago is considering rescinding the ordinance.
Neighbors of Noisy Racetrack in PA Urged to Call Police with Complaints (Jul. 8, 1998). The Morning Call reports neighbors of a Silverdale, Pennsylvania, racing track complained Monday to the city council about excessive noise and dust. They were advised to report their complaints to police in an effort to get the noise ordinance enforced.
NJ Resident Cited for Noise; Neighbors Say Police Acted Too Slowly (Jul. 7, 1998). The Record reports although police issued a ticket to the hostess of a noisy Fourth of July reggae party on Saturday night, angry neighbors say the officers acted too late to save their holiday from being ruined by loud music and crowds of people overflowing onto the street.
Gun Club Relocation Endorsed by Rhode Island Planning Board Despite Opposition from Residents with Noise Concerns (Jul. 7, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports the West Greenwich, Rhode Island, Planning Board voted last night to recommend that the Zoning Board of Review approve an area gun club's relocation. The recommendation came despite two dissenting votes and a number of residents expressing noise concerns.
Solana Beach, CA, Drum Group Cooperates with Noise Laws to Keep Meeting Place (Jul. 5, 1998). The San Diego Union-Tribune reports a drumming circle group in Solana Beach, California, will be allowed to continue to meet at a county park after they worked work out a solution to stay within the noise laws.
Leaf Blower Bill to Overturn Local Controls Gets Approval in California Assembly (Jul. 1, 1998). The United Press International reports legislation to overturn local controls on leaf blowers has been narrowly approved by the California Assembly's Local Government Committee.
Jacksonville Considering New Enforceable Noise Laws (Jun. 27, 1998). The State Journal Register reports the city of Jacksonville, Florida, is looking at a new proposal to restrict noise in neighborhoods.
Wisconsin Town Wants to Beef Up Nuisance Ordinance to Quiet Motorbike Noise (Jun. 26, 1998). The Capital Times reports residents of Dunn, Wisconsin, say motorbikes racing on a nearby track keep them awake at night, but the owner of the property says he's a good neighbor who regulates racing hours.
Madison, WI, Proposes Stricter Noise Ordinance (Jun. 25, 1998). The Wisconsin State Journal reports a proposal to toughen Madison, Wisconsin's noise regulations may please residents but irk businesses.
Florida's Martin County Strives to Write Enforceable Noise Ordinance (Jun. 24, 1998). The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News reports commissioners in Martin County, Florida, are working to develop a constitutionally sound ordinance to control noise nuisances.
Providence Resident Wants Police to Enforce Noise Pollution Laws (Jun. 24, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin published the following editorial from resident Edward Moncada, encouraging police enforcement of noise regulations in Providence, Rhode Island. Moncada writes:
Long Beach Township Cancels Ordinance Regulating Ice Cream Vendors (Jun. 23, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports New Jersey's Long Beach Township officials have rescinded an ordinance that had limited the days and streets on which ice cream vendors could operate. The canceled ordinance was passed last year after residents complained of noise and fumes from the ice cream trucks.
New Jersey Town Debates Ordinance in Effort to Preserve Quiet Time (Jun. 23, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports a proposed ordinance in Spring Lake, New Jersey, to limit noise pollution produced lively discussion at last night's Borough Council meeting.
California's Kings County Passes Noisy Party Ordinance (Jun. 22, 1998). The Fresno Bee reports an ordinance was recently approved to fine hosts of noisy parties if California's Kings County Sheriff Department has to make a return visit to quiet the site.
Boise City Council Will Consider New Ordinance to Silence Barking Dogs (Jun. 21, 1998). The Idaho Statesman reports that Boise City Council will be considering a new noise ordinance aimed at barking dogs.
Excemption to City's Noise Bylaws Granted for Calgary Folk Festival; Appeal Made by Community Association is Defeated (Jun. 19, 1998). The Calgary Herald reports that the city's chief bylaw enforcement officer, Earl MacLeod, granted a temporary exemption to the city's noise bylaw permitting Calgary Folk Festival to play music until 11 p.m. on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. On Thursday, July 23 and Sunday 26, the music must shut down at 10 p.m.
Aim to Quieten Noisy-Nighttime Cruisers near Sante Fe's Tourist Areas Calls for Careful Consideration of Possible Solutions (Jun. 18, 1998). The Santa Fe New Mexican reports their opinion concerning the noise from youth cruising in their automobiles. The cruisers reportedly use a route along the Santa Fe River that passes in front of one of Sante Fe's finer hotels, the Inn of Governors. The article reports that the city's public safety committee want to block off the route for four hours along those portions that are near the hotels at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The paper suggests instead that signs be put up saying the noise ordinance will be strictly enforced along the relevant streets where the public peace is being threatened and then use a tough enforcement measures on its violators.
City Councilman and Neighbor Want Music from Noisy Ice Cream Truck Either Turned Down or Eliminated in Warren, Michigan (Jun. 17, 1998). The Detroit News reports that the amplified music from boom box ice cream vendors peddling neighborhoods has mother, Diane Biskner, and Warren Councilman, Cecil St. Pierre, pushing for a new noise ordinance in Warren, Michigan.
Pittsfield City Council Adopts Noise and Conduct Ordinance in Maine (Jun. 17, 1998). The Central Maine Morning Sentinel reports that the Town Council passed a noise and public conduct ordinance. The ordinance is intended to discourage late-night noise and vandalism in downtown Pittsfield where, according to officers, the behavior of teen-agers and young adults has been a problem for the town for many years.
The City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island Responds to Night Noises with a Police Crackdown (Jun. 17, 1998). Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that 57 tickets written by police officers June 13-14 under the resuscitated noise ordinance in Woonsocket. Officers wrote the tickets to persons riding loud motorcycles, driving cars with thumping stereos and disturbing their neighbors' night peace.
Proposed Noise and Public Conduct Ordinance in Pittsfield, Maine Revised Again (Jun. 16, 1998). The Central Maine Morning Sentinel reports that the town's proposed noise and public conduct ordinance has been modified. Some of the original elements of the ordinance were considered unenforceable and state law already covered others so the council submitted it to a Portland law firm to be rewritten.
Bells in Harvard Square Strike Discord with Neighbors in Cambridge (Jun. 14, 1998). The Boston Globe reports that the bells at St. Paul Church in Harvard Square though silent for a half-century are now refurbished and chiming every quarter hour. The sound is pleasantly reminiscent to some, but annoying to many others.
Noise Ordinance Passes in Readfield, Maine (Jun. 13, 1998). The Kennebec Journal reports that residents went against their selectmen's recommendation and voted to pass a noise ordinance at a recent town meeting in Readfield. According to the article, the ordinance sets standards for reviewing noise complaints from new development. The selectmen felt the ordinance was unnecessary and further inhibited development in the town.
Planning Commission Decides to Table Proposed Noise Ordinance in Steator, Illinois (Jun. 10, 1998). The Pantagraph reports that a noise ordinance was introduced to the Plan Commission in Streator, Illinois on Tuesday night. The commission decided to table the measure for further study.
Illinois Town Plan Commission Tables Proposed Noise Ordinance for Further Study (Jun. 10, 1998). The Pantagraph reports that the Plan Commission in Streator, Illinois on Tuesday decided to table a proposed noise ordinance for further study. The decision came after two city councilors said they did not support the ordinance. The city manager drafted the noise ordinance, the article explains, but was held up in traffic in St. Louis and was not able to attend Tuesday's meeting to explain and defend the ordinance.
New Jersey Town Considers Noise Ordinance to Restrict Gardening and Construction Hours (Jun. 9, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports that the Borough Council in Spring Lake, New Jersey introduced a noise ordinance last night that would restrict lawn mowing, leaf blowing, construction, and other activities to certain hours. The article notes that a public hearing is scheduled on the proposed ordinance for June 22.
Florida City Tightens Nighttime Noise Ordinance to Deal With Noisy Bars (Jun. 7, 1998). The St. Petersburg Times reports that the City Commission in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida voted unanimously last week to toughen rules restricting nighttime noise. The ordinance changes were prompted by residents' complaints about noisy bars. The new ordinance is scheduled for final approval at the commission's June 16 meeting.
Texas City Settles Lawsuit With Nightclubs Suing to Overturn Noise Ordinance (Jun. 6, 1998). The Austin American-Statesman reports that officials with the City of Austin, Texas have settled a lawsuit with the East Sixth Street Community Association and 10 nightclubs that had sued to overturn the city's noise ordinance. The article explains that the noise ordinance will stay in effect, but police will adopt new methods and use new equipment to measure the noise coming from nightclubs.
Illinois Town Considers New Ordinance to Limit Noise (Jun. 5, 1998). The Chicago Daily Herald reports that trustees in Winfield, Illinois considered a draft noise ordinance Thursday that would levy fines for "excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud noise." According to village officials, the ordinance was drawn up in response to people complaining about noisy pets.
Maine Town Rewrites Proposed Noise Ordinance to Allow Community Events (Jun. 5, 1998). The Bangor Daily News reports that the Town Council in Pittsfield, Maine held a public hearing on a proposed noise ordinance Tuesday that would ban noisy behavior between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Residents who supported and opposed the ordinance turned out for the meeting, the article says. Those who opposed the ordinance were worried that it would prohibit high school events and other community activities. In response to residents' concerns, a group of residents, police officers, and town officials reworked the proposed ordinance Wednesday night to allow community and school events to occur. The council will consider the matter again at their June 16 meeting. Meanwhile, the article says, police officers say even if an ordinance is passed, they have no way to enforce it.
Louisiana Town Council Discusses How to Control Excessive Noise From Bars (Jun. 3, 1998). The Advocate reports that the city council in Hammond, Louisiana discussed Tuesday what actions are being taken to monitor and control noise from bars and nightclubs on Nashville Avenue. The article notes that the council adopted a noise control ordinance affecting the area about eight months ago, but the ordinance has only recently started to be enforced. Meanwhile, Mayor Louis Tallo visited Nashville Avenue last Thursday night to monitor the noise level.
New York Town Passes Ordinance to Control Noise from Leaf Blowers into the Future (Jun. 3, 1998). Newsday reports that the town board in Huntington, New York unanimously passed an ordinance yesterday that bans leaf blowers that generate noise levels higher than 70 decibels by the year 2000. By 2003, leaf blowers are required not to be louder than 65 decibels, under the ordinance. The new ordinance is intended to work in conjunction with the current bylaw that bans leaf blowers during certain hours.
City in Kansas Considers Setting Curfew on Home Car Repairs (May 30, 1998). The Kansas City Star reports that City Councilors in Overland Park, Kansas will discuss implementing a curfew that would end home-based auto repairs at its Monday meeting. The proposed ordinance is intended to curb the noise, light, and fumes that come from late-night auto repairs.
New Development Brings Loss of Peace and Quiet Once Enjoyed in New West County, Colorado (May 27, 1998). The Idaho Statesman published an editorial from Don Olsen contemplating the noise of crowing roosters, prairie dogs and the aspirations of subdivision developers in New West County, Colorado.
Nostalgic Ice Cream Trucks Considered a Dangerous Nuisance in Cites throughout the United States (May 27, 1998). The Pantagraph publishes an article discussing the variety of laws and restrictions on ice cream trucks that have popped up across the county.
Tennessee Town Passes New Noise Ordinance, After Making Changes (May 24, 1998). The Tennessean reports that the City Commission in Mount Juliet, Tennessee passed a new noise ordinance Monday at the first of two readings. The new ordinance was proposed after City Judge John Gwin said that the old ordinance was difficult to enforce. Several changes were made to the proposed ordinance before it passed last week, the article says.
Denver Monitors Noise from Motorcycles after Residents Complain (May 21, 1998). The Denver Post reports residents of Denver, Colorado's, Lower Downtown are complaining about motorcycle noise, and the city is listening.
Truck Noise at Chicago Motel Deprive Condo Residents of Sleep (May 20, 1998). The Chicago Daily Herald reports semi-tractor trailers parked in the back of a Motel 6 in Villa Park, Chicago, are causing nearby residents to lose sleep.
Long Island Group Opposes Noise and Night Flights at MacArthur Airport (May 19, 1998). Newsday reports that as the New York Town of Islip prepares to expand the terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport, a group of residents is urging town officials to focus on the problem of airport noise.
Noise and Public Conduct Ordinance Proposed for Maine Town (May 16, 1998). The Bangor Daily News reports Pittsfield, Maine, town officials hope to curb unwanted behavior with a new noise and public conduct ordinance.
Second Hearing Scheduled for Controversial Maine Motocross Track (May 13, 1998). The Central Maine Morning Sentinel reports a new date for a hearing has been set to decide on a controversial proposal to build a motocross track in Benton, Maine.
Charleston City Council to Write More Enforceable Noise Ordinance (May 8, 1998). The Charleston Daily Mail reports Charleston's City Council's public safety committee will look into adopting a noise ordinance that is more objective and therefore, more enforceable than their current ordinance.
Vancouver Police Checkpoints to Inspect Noise Levels of Motorcycles (May 7, 1998). The Vancouver Sun reports Vancouver police will check motorcycles for noise levels four times during the month of May.
City of Charleston Considers Updating Noise Ordinance (May 6, 1998). The Charleston Daily Mail reports city council committees are meeting this week to discuss recycling issues and strengthening the Charleston's noise laws.
Dubuque Targets Noise from Car Stereos and Dogs in Noise Ordinances (May 5, 1998). The Telegraph Herald reports the Dubuque, Iowa ,City Council approved two ordinances Monday night to make the city quieter.
New Noise Ordinance Has Teeth, Says Eagle City, Idaho (May 4, 1998). The Idaho Statesman reports a new noise ordinance approved by Eagle City, Idaho, is now in effect. The City Council is confident the new ordinance is enforceable.
Resident Praises Police's Efforts to Keep Greenwich Village Quiet (May 1, 1998). The New York Times published the following letter to the editor, from resident Carole Hale who praises the efforts of the police enforcing the noise ordinance. Hale wrote:
PA Township Considers Ordinance to Control Noisy Pets (Apr. 29, 1998). The Morning Call of Allentown, Pennsylvania, reports East Rockhill Township supervisors are considering an proposed ordinance that prohibits the possession of animals that cause a public nuisance by making noise.
New Jersey Town Votes on Noise-Free Zones to Quiet the Summer (Apr. 27, 1998). The New York Times reports that the City Council in Sea Isle City, New Jersey will vote tomorrow on designating noise-free zones in order to quiet partyers. In the zones, the fines for violations would be doubled. In addition, landlords would have their permits revoked if tenants receive three noise summonses in one summer. Mayor Leonard Desiderio said that the current $180 fines for violations have not kept the noise down. The article notes that Sea Isle City, along with other shore towns like Wildwood and North Wildwood, have been known as party towns, but they are trying to change their images to attract families. Wildwood and North Wildwood have voted to close their bars two hours earlier this summer, at 3 a.m.
Resident Loses in Complaint about Noise from NJ Bar (Apr. 27, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports a Beach Haven bar and restaurant in Toms River, New Jersey, which has been fined three times for violating the borough's noise ordinance, had those violations overturned in Superior Court last week.
Parkland, Florida, Drafts Noise Ordinance (Apr. 26, 1998). The Sun-Sentinel reports Parkland, Florida, city administrators are drafting a law aimed at reducing "loud and raucous" noise.
Washington City to Consider Reinstating Noise Ordinance on First Weekend of School Year (Apr. 26, 1998). The Spokesman-Review reports that the City Council in Pullman, Washington will consider a proposal to reinstate the noise ordinance on the first Friday and Saturday nights of the school year. The council lifted the city noise ordinance last year on those nights, which caused a "hue and cry from members of the public," according to Pullman Police Chief Ted Weatherly. The noise ordinance is intended partly to curb noisy parties at Washington State University, the article notes.
Idaho Resident Complains About Booming Car Stereos; Police Say Noise Ordinance is in Place, But it's Difficult to Catch Violators in Cars (Apr. 24, 1998). The Idaho Statesman reports that Jim Asbury, a resident of Boise, Idaho, has complained to police about noise from booming car stereos near the Fairview Avenue and Mitchell Street intersection. Police say they have investigated noise complaints in the area, but have difficulty catching violators in cars with loud stereos.
Gardeners in California City Launch Drive for Referendum on Overturning Gas-Powered Leaf-Blower Ban (Apr. 15, 1998). The San Francisco Examiner reports that a gardeners group in Menlo Park, California has launched a drive to hold a referendum on overturning a ban on gas-powered leaf-blowers approved by the City Council in a 3-2 vote Tuesday. The article notes that the City Councilors made their decision after four earlier contentious public hearings.
Repeal of LA Leaf-Blower Ban Defeated in Senate (Apr. 14, 1998). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports legislation that would repeal Los Angeles' ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers did not get the majority of votes Monday in a state Senate committee.
Chicago's Noise Law Impounds Cars Blasting Music (Apr. 13, 1998). The Chicago Tribune reports that in the last year thousands of Chicagoans have had their cars impounded, some for violating the city code governing Noise and Vibration Control.
Enforce Santa Fe's Noise Ordinance (Apr. 13, 1998). The Santa Fe New Mexican published an editorial about on-going noise issues in Santa Fe, prompted most recently by residents' complaints about a local bar. It's the editor's opinion that a sound-level meter and an enforceable ordinance would solve the city's noise problems.
Noise Expert Says Wall Won't Block Noise from Ohio Amphitheater (Apr. 10, 1998). The Columbus Dispatch reports Westerville, Ohio's noise consultant said yesterday the higher wall planned for the Polaris Amphitheater this summer won't solve the noise problem in the neighborhood. Instead, he advocates for stricter enforcement of existing noise standards and stronger penalties for violators.
NJ Town Seeks to Include Music from Ice Cream Trucks in Ordinance, Preferring Regulation over a Ban (Apr. 8, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports Mayor Carl Block and the Stafford Township attorney will meet tomorrow with a representative of the state Department of Environmental Protection to determine if there is a way to regulate ice cream truck music without banning it.
City Councilors of Pittsfield, Maine Consider Public-Conduct Ordinance Aimed at City's Youth to Prohibit Excessive Nightime Noise (Apr. 8, 1998). The Central Maine Morning Sentinel reports a public conduct ordinance was proposed to the Pittsfield, Maine city council by the ordinance committee to prohibit excessive late-night noise from the city's youth.
The Town of Eagle, Wisconsin Fights Against Clay Pigeon Shooting Business and State Department of Natural Resources (Apr. 6, 1998). Journal Sentinel reports the town of Eagle, Wisconsin is fighting against Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources and the Wern Valley Inc., a business which operates shooting ranges, in its effort to ban clay shooting. The Town of Eagle initially banned the sport in response to noise complaints but the town's order was reversed when the Waukesha County Circuit Court ruled that the town did not act properly in refusing a conditional use permit for the range last August.
Bill Before California State Senate Would Prevent Cities From Banning or Regulating Leaf-Blowers (Apr. 4, 1998). The Sacramento Bee reports that a bill is before the California state Senate to prevent cities from banning or independently regulating leaf-blowers. The bill was introduced in an attempt to overturn Los Angeles' ban on gasoline-powered leaf-blowers, the article notes. If it passes, the measure would weaken Sacramento's restrictions on leaf-blowers, according to opponents.
California City Considers Changing Noise Ordinance to Allow Police to Issue Citations Without Measuring Noise (Apr. 2, 1998). The Orange County Register reports the City Council in Buena Park, California is considering changing the city's noise ordinance to allow police officers to use a "reasonable person" standard instead of a decibel measure at noise sources. The article says the new ordinance passed a first reading March 24, and City Councilors are expected to take a final vote on April 14.
Calif. Restaurant Served Restrictions after Noise Complaints from Residents (Mar. 26, 1998). The Orange County Register reports a new restaurant which practices "concept dining" has brought complaints from Lido Isle residents and others across the bay for its exuberant celebrations.
Florida County Commission Considers Noise Ordinance (Mar. 26, 1998). The Palm Beach Post reports that the Martin County (Florida) Commission agreed to consider a noise ordinance for the unincorporated parts of the county at their meeting Tuesday. The issue was brought forward by Commissioner Janet Gettig, and all the other Commissioners except for the Chair, Donna Melzer, agreed a noise ordinance should be investigated.
Alabama State Court Upholds Montgomery Noise Ordinance (Mar. 21, 1998). The Montgomery Advertiser reports that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals ruled unanimously Friday that Montgomery's noise ordinance is constitutional, after a challenge was brought by Eddie Lee Moore, who was ticketed while listening to talk radio.
Businesses in Florida Protest Noise Ordinance (Mar. 21, 1998). The Tampa Tribune reports that some Ybor City, Florida, business owners in the Latin Quarter say a proposed citywide noise ordinance would put them out of business.
In Ybor City, Florida, Bar Owners Oppose Noise Ordinance (Mar. 20, 1998). The St. Petersburg Times reports Ybor City bar owners are opposed to the newest efforts to reduce noise in the historic Florida district.
Groups Disagree over Change in Kansas City Noise Ordinance (Mar. 19, 1998). The Kansas City Star reports neighborhood leaders and abortion opponents disagreed Wednesday about a proposal to give police more power to enforce the city' s noise ordinance. Abortion opponents promised to sue if the ordinance is revised.
Will Noise Ordinance be Adjusted for New Jersey Ice Cream Vendors? (Mar. 18, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports that New Jersey officials in Stafford Township are seeking a compromise in an ordinance that bans ice cream vendors from playing amplified music from their trucks.
Loud Machinery Regulated by N. Charleston's Noise Ordinance (Mar. 13, 1998). The Post and Courier reports a new North Charleston, South Carolina, noise ordinance passed without comment from the public Thursday night.
Florida Judge Pronounces Noise Ordinance Unconstitutional (Mar. 12, 1998). The Sun-Sentinel reports that a county judge has ruled the Coral Springs, Florida noise ordinance unconstitutional, saying it is "vague and overbroad."
PA Company Granted Variance for Earlier Operation Hours (Mar. 11, 1998). The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Carnegie zoning hearing board has given approval to a drywall company to operate earlier than allowed by borough law, but the board says it will revoke the variance if delivery trucks disturb neighbors.
New Jersey Town Enacts Stronger Noise Ordinance (Mar. 11, 1998). The Record reports that Teaneck, New Jersey is strengthening its noise ordinance.
California Gardeners Protest Proposed Leaf Blower Ban (Mar. 10, 1998). The San Francisco Examiner reports that gardeners in Menlo Park, California are preparing to protest the proposed ban on gas powered leaf blowers.
Braintree Company Responds to Noise Complaints (Mar. 10, 1998). The Patriot Ledger reports King Hill Road residents in Braintree have asked selectman to take action on noisy delivery trucks at a nearby business.
New Jersey Ice Cream Man Banned! (Mar. 8, 1998). The Asbury Park Press reports that Stafford, New Jersey has banned the ice cream man from playing music.
NJ Town Bans Amplified Music from Ice-Cream Vendors (Mar. 5, 1998). The Asbury Park Press published an editorial about the decision Tuesday night by the Stafford, New Jersey, Township Committee to ban amplified music from ice cream trucks.
West Virginia Noise Bill May Not Get Through Senate (Mar. 5, 1998). The Charleston Gazette reports a bill that could help secure a little peace and quiet for a West Virginia resident was approved by a Senate Judiciary subcommittee Wednesday. However, the deadline is fast-approaching for the Senate to act on its own bills, and this bill may not make it through in time.
New Jersey Town Passes Ordinance that Bans Ice Cream Truck Tunes (Mar. 4, 1998). The New York Times reports that the Town Council in Stafford Township, New Jersey passed an ordinance tonight by a vote of 4-2 to ban amplified sound on ice cream trucks. The ordinance allows ice cream vendors to use hand bells in place of musical tunes, the article notes.
Another NJ Town Bans Music from Ice-Cream Trucks (Mar. 4, 1998). BC Cycle reports Stafford Township, New Jersey, has become the latest community to ban ice cream trucks from playing music to attract their customers.
Gardeners in California City to Protest Leaf Blower Ban, Claiming Ban is Racist (Mar. 3, 1998). The San Francisco Chronicle reports that gardeners in the San Francisco area will stage three demonstrations this week and one next week to protest a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers by the city of Menlo Park. The gardeners claim the ban is racially biased.
Arizona Town Restricts Construction Noise (Mar. 2, 1998). The Arizona Republic reports that the City Council in Peoria, Arizona unanimously passed a new ordinance on Feb. 17 that limits construction to certain hours in order to cut down on noise. The ordinance was passed in an effort to respond to the increasing number of complaints about construction noise in the fast-growing city, according to Ibrahim Maslamani, the city's building safety manager.
North Carolina Community Enacts Noisy Cat Ordinance (Feb. 25, 1998). The Morning Star reports that officials in Long Beach, North Carolina have enacted a noisy cat ordinance.
Knoxville Delays Vote on Noise Ordinance to Explore How to Regulate Amplified Music (Feb. 24, 1998). The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports the Knoxville City Council is expected to delay action on at least two matters currently on its agenda for tonight. One of the items is proposed revisions to the city's noise ordinance. The other issue deals with revisions to the ordinance governing wrecker service operations.
Connecticut Community Proposes Noise Ordinance (Feb. 20, 1998). The Hartford Courant reports that Mansfield, Connecticut has proposed a noise ordinance to allow police stronger enforcement powers to reduce neighborhood noise.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Attack State Leafblower Bill (Feb. 20, 1998). The City News Service reports that Los Angeles City Officials are fighting a state bill that would override local leaf blowere bans.
California City Strengthens Noise Ordinance for Businesses Offering Live Music (Feb. 13, 1998). The Los Angeles Times reports that Cypress, California's City Council has strengthened its noise ordinance in response to resident complaints. Now, businesses offering live music will need to keep noise under a certain decibel limit, employ security guards, and keep doors and windows shut.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Takes Effect in Los Angeles (Feb. 13, 1998). The Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles' ban on gas-fueled leafblowers finally went into effect today after nearly a year of debate.
Florida Residents Get Angry About Nightclub Noise (Feb. 13, 1998). The Sun-Sentinel reports that the City Council in Plantation, Florida is considering a nightclub ordinance after hearing from seven residents and business owners at a recent meeting about noise and other problems at two restaurant-lounges on State Road 7.
Police May Issue Permits for Live Acts after Noise Complaints (Jan. 24, 1998). The Los Angeles Times reports that a proposal in Cypress, California may leave the chief of police there in charge of issuing live entertainment licenses.
Resident Accuses City Council of Ignoring Noise Ordinance (Jan. 23, 1998). The News & Record of Greensboro, NC, printed the following letter to the editor from a resident disgruntled who says the city's noise ordinance is seldom enforced.
Sante Fe Sanctions Noisy Car Wash (Jan. 21, 1998). The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the city of Santa Fe has asked a state district judge to sanction the owner of the Santa Fe Car Wash. City officials contend that neighbors of the business suffer noise levels comparable to airplanes taking off at an airport.
Lake Elsinore Passes "Noisy Animal" Ordinance (Jan. 16, 1998). The Press-Enterprise reports that Lake Elsinore recently passed a tough "noisy animal" ordinance.
Four French Quarter Citizen's Groups Seek State Help in Noise Battle in New Orleans, Louisiana (Jan. 14, 1998). The Times-Picayune reports that State Senator Paulette Irons has stepped into the battle over noise control in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. According to the article, Senator Irons, D-New Orleans, said Tuesday she will ask the state to develop a tourism management plan for New Orleans that covers noise and other quality-of-life issues. Irons, spoke at a news conference called by four groups of Quarter residents who want tougher enforcement of noise controls in their neighborhood. The Quarter groups holding the news conference were the St. Peter Street Neighborhood Improvement Association, the French Quarter Citizens for Preservation of Residential Quality, the Friends of Jackson Square and the Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents and Associates.
Moorpark, California Planning Commission Drafts Noise Ordinance to be Approved by City Council (Jan. 14, 1998). The Ventura County Star reports that a draft noise ordinance has won the approval of the Moorpark, California Planning Commission. The commission voted 4-0 Monday, with former Commissioner Paul Norcross' seat still vacant, to recommend City Council approval of the ordinance, which will regulate noise within city limits to preserve "peace and quiet."
Noise A Concern With Proposed Tiverton Power Plant in Tiverton, Rhode Island (Jan. 13, 1998). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that James Gordon told the Rhode Island State Energy Facility Siting Board at a hearing yesterday that the natural gas-fired power plant he wants to build at the Tiverton Industrial Park in Tiverton, Rhode Island would be "one of cleanest, most cost-efficient" fossil fuel facilities in New England and a boon to the community. Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Chairman James J. Malachowski said the hearings are likely the last government-related hurdle Gordon and his companies, Energy Management Inc. and Tiverton Power Associates, must clear before embarking on the multimillion-dollar project. However, during the hearings, which stretched through the morning and afternoon, concerns were raised in several areas, including the noise that might come from the plant project as well as possible effects on the water supply.
Leaf Blower Ban in Los Angeles, California Pits City's Homeowners Against Workers (Jan. 12, 1998). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that from the moment the City Council voted last week to ban leaf blowers from Los Angeles, California, the city's class and ethnic divisions split open like an earthquake fault. Before the vote Tuesday, actors Julie Newmar, Peter Graves and others from posh Westside neighborhoods sat on one side of the City Council chamber demanding a ban on leaf blowers that cause air and noise pollution. On the other side sat members of the Association of Latin American Gardeners, clad in green caps and jackets, who pleaded with council members to spare them the basic tool of their trade.
An Editorial in Favor of the Rake Over the Leaf Blower (Jan. 11, 1998). An editorial in the Chicago Tribune argues against leaf blowers and for the old fashioned, quiet rake. The editorial claims that gas powered leaf blowers make bad neighbors. And while, the editorial admits, the sickening, high-pitched leaf-blower whine is only a memory in January, it is not too early to begin efforts in your city, town, village, suburb or exurb to get the damned things outlawed by the fall.
Rowlett, Texas Seeks Solution To Noise Dispute with Industrial Park (Jan. 9, 1998). The Dallas Morning News reports that city officials said they may soon have a solution to the ongoing dispute over noise between southwest Rowlett, Texas neighborhoods and nearby businesses. According to the article, residents of Dexham Estates and Ridgecrest have complained for several years about noise coming from Tolar Industrial Park near Dexham Road and State Highway 66. Although the City Council passed a noise ordinance in January 1997 in response to the complaints, homeowners have said that they have seen little decrease in the noise levels. Possible solutions being discussed include building a sound wall, buying sound measuring equipment, and soundproofing homes, and lowering the decibel levels allowed in the ordinance.
Editorial Pushes for Compromise in New Orleans, Louisiana Noise Problem (Jan. 8, 1998). The Times-Picayune printed the following editorial:
Amended Noise Ordinance in Lee's Summit, Kansas Should be Easier to Enforce (Jan. 8, 1998). The Kansas City Star reports that Lee's Summit, Kansas has recently amended its noise ordinance to make it easier to enforce. The police department has begun using hand-held meters to measure noise so that a signed complaint is no longer necessary. The modified ordinance also clearly defines what a noise nuisance is by setting a decibel limit as measured from a property line next to the source of the noise.
Hooksett, New Hampshire Noise Ordinance Was Dropped By Mistake (Jan. 8, 1998). The Union Leader reports that the Hooksett, N.H. Town Council learned recently that, through an oversight in the early 1990s, the town dropped its noise ordinance.
Kane County, Illinois Officials Consider Fine For Loud Car Stereos (Jan. 7, 1998). The Chicago Daily Herald reports that Kane County, Illinois officials recently recommended approval of a measure that would allow sheriff's police to issue a $50 ticket to offenders whose car stereos can be heard from 75 feet away. "It's unfortunate we have to have a law like this," board member Rudy Neuberger, an Aurora Democrat, said in the article. "It's just unfortunate we have to regulate consideration for other people."
Letter to the Editor in Favor of Fayetteville, North Carolina Noise Ordinance (Jan. 6, 1998). The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) recently printed that following letter to the editor:
Resident And Businesses In New Orleans' French Quarter Fight Over Noise (Jan. 2, 1998). The Times-Picayune reports that noise levels in New Orleans' French Quarter are sparking a sharply divided debate that may end up the subject of a federal lawsuit.
North Carolina Resident Considers The Value Of A Noise Ordinance (Dec. 27, 1997). The News and Observer published the following letter to the editor concerning a noise ordinance in Raleigh, North Carolina:
Florida City Prepares Zoning Ordinances For Outdoor Dining (Dec. 17, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that sidewalk dining has become very popular in Sarasota, Florida, particularly on St. Armands Circle, prompting calls for stricter controls from nearby residents because of concerns about noise.
Connecticut Town Passes Noise Ordinance (Dec. 16, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the town council in South Windsor, Connecticut unanimously approved a noise ordinance that some Barbara Road residents hope will bring peace and quiet to their neighborhood.
Florida City Permits Early Mowing (Dec. 14, 1997). The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that residents of golf course communities may start their days a little earlier, thanks to a recent decision by the Orange City Council. Last week, the Tribune reports, council members agreed to allow golf courses to apply for an annual waiver of the city's noise ordinance, permitting early morning mowing of course greens.
Barking Dogs Land North Carolina Resident In Prison (Dec. 13, 1997). The News and Observer reports how Central Prison in Littleton North Carolina has housed its share of notorious criminals over the years -killers, rapists, robbers and such. But the Big House has seldom locked up the likes of James Melvin. Melvin, who is 69, deaf, legally blind and diabetic, walked out of Central Prison a free man Friday after pulling time for violating Section 13 of the Animal Control Ordinance of the Town of Littleton. His dogs were barking too much.
Los Angeles Considers Two Proposals to Ban Leaf Blowers (Dec. 11, 1997). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that more than a year after first moving to ban gasoline-powered leaf blowers, a city panel came up Wednesday with dueling proposals: outlaw the noisy devices next month or phase them out over five years. In both proposals, the severity of the penalty would be reduced from a misdemeanor to an infraction and the fine for any one violation would be $ 270.
Florida Community Prepares To Revamp Noise Ordinance (Dec. 10, 1997). The Ledger reports that the Polk County, Florida 5-year-old noise ordinance needs to be fine-tuned to make it easier to enforce, county commissioners were told Tuesday.
Los Angeles Leaf Blower Ban Goes Into Effect (Dec. 10, 1997). The Copley News Service reports that a Los Angeles City Council committee Wednesday made a series of 11th-hour changes to a gas-powered leaf blower ban that goes into effect next month, but rejected a proposal to further delay its enforcement.
Florida Community Proposes Noise Ordinance (Dec. 9, 1997). The Sarasota Herald Tribune reports that about 100 people packed the Sarasota (Florida) City Commission chambers Monday night to weigh in on a proposed noise ordinance designed to quiet the sounds coming from bars that play outdoor music.
Florida Community Prepares To Revise Noise Ordinance (Dec. 8, 1997). The Sarasota Herald Tribune reports that the Sarasota (Florida) City Commission will tackle two controversial issues - outdoor music and sidewalk cafe dining - during public hearings tonight.
North Carolina Resident Claims Raleigh's Noise Ordinance Inadequate (Dec. 8, 1997). The News and Observer printed the following letter-to-the-editor concerning the inadequacy of the Raleigh noise ordinance:
California Officials Attempt To Set Curfews For Airport Noise (Dec. 5, 1997). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that the city Airport Commission voted Thursday to expand the curfew for airplanes at Van Nuys (California) airport, but delayed new limits on noisy jets located at the airfield after hearing opposition from tenants of the facility.
New York Community Shelves Proposed Noise Ordinance (Dec. 5, 1997). The Buffalo News reports that East Aurora (New York) Village Board this week tabled a noise ordinance after several trustees and residents expressed concern that the law may prove unenforceable.
Connecticut Town Council Tables Proposed Noise Ordinance (Dec. 2, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the Town Council in South Windsor, Connecticut voted Monday to table action on a proposed noise ordinance. The ordinance had been supported by residents and others earlier, but at Monday's meeting several residents and councilors spoke against it. Some opponents said the ordinance shouldn't be stricter than state noise regulations, because it would discourage business.
Minority-Owned Wisconsin Bar With Noise Violations Receives Scrutiny by City, While County Supervisor Accuses City of Discrimination (Nov. 29, 1997). The Capital Times reports that the Alcohol License Review Committee in Madison, Wisconsin is considering suspending or revoking the liquor license of Taste Buds, a minority-owned bar and restaurant, due to several ordinance violations, including noise violations. Meanwhile, County Board Supervisor Regina Rhyne believes the establishment is not being treated fairly by city officials and is using her position as a minority official to play watchdog over the city.
Florida Community Considers Revision Of Noise Ordinance (Nov. 28, 1997). The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Coral Springs (Florida) City Commission has tabled a proposed change to the city's noise ordinance that would allow businesses to be open an extra hour.
Judge Invalidates Florida City's Noise Ordinance (Nov. 27, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that a judge invalidated the noise ordinance in Sarasota, Florida on Wednesday, chalking up a victory for Lemon Coast bar, which challenged the ordinance in July. The noise ordinance had been passed by the City Commission in May, the article says. In response to the ruling, city officials are beginning the process of creating a new ordinance that will correct the faults found by the judge in the previous ordinance.
Arizona Residents Living Near High School With Early Morning Band Practice Get the Scorn of Band Member Parent (Nov. 26, 1997). The Arizona Republic printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Phoenix resident Lee Ann Hopper regarding the controversy over early-morning high school band practice in Chandler, Arizona:
Arizona Resident Says High School Marching Band Should be Required to Abide by Noise Law (Nov. 25, 1997). The Arizona Republic printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Jeff Suchard, a Phoenix resident, regarding the controversy over early morning band practice of the Mountain Pointe Marching Band:
Arizona Resident Thinks Early Morning School Band Practice is Cause for Lawsuit (Nov. 21, 1997). The Arizona Republic printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Bob Ederer, a Tempe, Arizona resident, regarding the controversy over early morning marching band practice at the Mountain Pointe High School:
Texas Community Passes Noise Ordinance (Nov. 21, 1997). The Dallas Morning News reports that some southwest Rowlett homeowners say they are still waiting for the peace and quiet promised by a city noise ordinance passed early this year.
Mom of Marching Band Student Castigates Arizona Resident who Complained About Noise (Nov. 20, 1997). The Arizona Republic printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Christine Eaton, a Phoenix resident, regarding noise from early morning band practice by the Mountain Pointe High School marching band:
Arizona Resident Wants Early Morning Marching Band to Obey Law (Nov. 18, 1997). The Arizona Republic reports that a resident in the Gilbert, Arizona area is trying to quiet the noise of early morning band practice from the Mountain Pointe High School Marching Band. Resident Julie Reiter Suchard, who lives at Ray Road and 44th Street across from the school's football field, has complained to city officials, and has discovered that the band is violating a city code that regulates noise from musical instruments between 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. However, Suchard's complaint is drawing anger from band students, who say they have no other time to practice.
Florida Residents Fight with Business Owners Over Early Morning Noise (Nov. 17, 1997). The Sun-Sentinel reports that residents in a Coral Springs, Florida neighborhood are angry about the early morning noise from businesses near their homes. Meanwhile, businesses are angry about the city ordinance that stipulates they can't open until 8 a.m. due to noise constraints, and are arguing they should be allowed to open at 7 a.m. The City Commission will discuss the ordinance at a second public hearing Tuesday evening.
Owners of Former Nightclub Sue Seattle, Saying Racism and City Noise Ordinance Destroyed Their Business (Nov. 15, 1997). The Seattle Times reports that Keith Olson and Ronald Santi, the owners of the former Celebrity Italian Kitchen, filed suit yesterday in U.S. District Court against Seattle, Washington city officials, alleging police officers and other officials repeatedly harrassed the club because it catered mainly to African Americans, and used a city noise ordinance to destroy the business.
Police in Wisconsin City Are Given More Power to Issue Noise Citations (Nov. 13, 1997). The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Common Council in Franklin, Wisconsin approved an amendment to the city's noise ordinance that give police officers greater discretion in deciding noise violations. Police officers will be able to issue a citation even if the decibel level of the noise doesn't violate city noise standards, the article says.
Residents Continue to Debate Los Angeles Leaf-Blower Ban (Nov. 11, 1997). The Los Angeles Times printed the following letters-to-the-editor regarding the leaf-blower ban in Los Angeles:
New Jersey Township Passes Noise Ordinance (Nov. 11, 1997). The Asbury Park Press reports that the Township Committee in Holmdel Township, New Jersey adopted a noise ordinance last night, based on a model drawn up by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The ordinance was passed in order to give protect residents against noisy lawn equipment, loud parties, or concerts at the PNC Bank Arts Center, the article says.
New Jersey Readers Respond to Leaf Blower Use (Nov. 2, 1997). In the Chatter section of The New York Times, New Jersey residents responded to the following questions: "Are leaf blowers a welcome labor-saving convenience or a noisy nuisance? Should their use be limited?"
Community Board Members in Greenwich Village, New York, Propose Selected Motorcycle Ban Due to Noise (Nov. 2, 1997). The New York Times reports that in an effort to improve the quality of life in New York City, the Greenwich Village community board is pressuring the police to strengthen noise laws with reference to loud motorcycles. Their quality-of-life campaign may even try to ban motorcycles from local streets, the article says.
Sunjet Planes too Loud for Long Beach, California; Flights Suspended Until Quieter Planes (Oct. 30, 1997). The Seattle Times reports that Sunjet, a public charter airline operated by World Technology System of Atlanta, is suspending flights between Seattle and Long Beach, California, tomorrow because its airplanes don't meet noise regulations in the city of Long Beach. Service will be reinstated when Sunjet can get three aircraft that can operate within the local noise ordinance, Sunjet spokesman Hank Ernest said.
Virginia Residents Move to Limit Construction Noise (Oct. 30, 1997). The Washington Post reports that Fairfax County, Virginia is considering enforcing weekend and evening restrictions on construction-related noise, due to a surge of building in older, established neighborhoods.
Wisconsin Opponents Prompt Reduced Hours for Shooting Range (Oct. 30, 1997). The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that a shooting permit request by the McMiller Sports Center, located in Eagle, Wisconsin, was revived when McMiller agreed to trim hours and days of operation for a clay pigeon range after a year-long dispute over gunfire noise from the center.
Alternate Truck Route Makes for Quieter North Carolina Town (Oct. 29, 1997). The Chapel Hill Herald of Durham, North Carolina, reports that after years of complaints about noise and exhaust of huge trucks rumbling through downtown, Hillsborough merchants and residents now hope to reclaim their streets. State planners have said that as many as 600 trucks may pass through Hillsborough in a day's time. In six weeks, the N.C. Department of Transportation will give Hillsborough the authority to restrict large trucks from traveling on Churton Street -- N.C. 86 -- through downtown. Since 1991, town officials have been asking the state to find a way to route truck traffic away from Churton Street. But until now, the state said there were no alternate routes.
London Mayor should have Power to Regulate Aircraft Noise from Heathrow (Oct. 29, 1997). London's Evening Standard reported that Labor MP Tony Colman advocated that the new mayor should get the power to limit aircraft noise in the capital. Colman also urged London Minister Glenda Jackson to ban all night flights.
Maine Wood Chip Mill Owner Wants to Expand; Residents Already Complaining About Current Noise Levels (Oct. 29, 1997). The Kennebec Journal reports that Jack Carrier, owner of the wood chip mill on Town Farm Road in Farmington, Maine, wants to double production and install more equipment in spite of noise complaints and the deterioration of the road leading to the mill, according to one Farmington selectmen.
California Commisioner Urges Residents to Vote No on Measure U or Lose Public Input (Oct. 28, 1997). The Press-Enterprise of Riverside, California, published the following editorial by John Harrison who talks about the quality of life in Redlands and the threat of Measure U to close public debate around such issues as land use, noise, and traffic.
Columnist Worries That New York's New Noise Violation Fines Will be Hard to Enforce (Oct. 28, 1997). The Village Voice printed an editorial in which the writer discusses New York City's proposed new noise ordinance, which would set expensive fines on noise violations. The writer describes the ordinance and goes on to worry that it will be difficult to enforce.
No-Noise Advocates No Longer Quiet in New York City (Oct. 28, 1997). The Christian Science Monitor recently printed the following editorial whose subject was noise and the resulting "quiet crisis."
Noise and Safety are Issues for Virginia Residents in Navy's Relocation of Jets (Oct. 28, 1997). The Virginia-Pilot of Norfolk, Virginia, reports that a large group of residents at a public hearing in Virginia Beach opposed the Navy's plan to bring 180 jets to Oceana. While city and state officials Monday night made a strong case for the Hornets, citizens asked the Navy for: peace, quiet and safety.
Wisconsin Resident Says Noise Complaints Near Randall Stadium Legitimate (Oct. 28, 1997). The Capital Times of Madison, Wisconsin, ran the following editorial written by a reader. The reader is Chuck Erickson, member of the Vilas Neighborhood Association zoning committee. Mr. Erickson responded to a recent column published in the newspaper about the city cracking down on noise from bars near Camp Randall Stadium. Mr. Erickson takes exception to what he saw as a mocking tone of the writer of the column in reference to residents who have complained about the noise.
Columnist Pokes Fun at New York City's New Noise Violation Fines, Saying Enforcement is Impossible (Oct. 26, 1997). The Denver Post printed an editorial which ridicules the new law that triples the fines for repeat offenders of noise violations in New York City. The columnist says that the goal of reducing noise pollution is laudable, but it will prove impossible to catch offenders and prove that they're violating the law.
Florida Nightclub Begins Court Hearing With City Over Noise Limit (Oct. 22, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that the City of Sarasota, Florida started its hearing with the Lemon Coast Grill Monday, in the first stage of a lawsuit filed by the nightclub. The nightclub owners argue that the city's noise ordinance was enacted improperly, and that the city did not give the public proper notice, according to city prosecutor Michael Perry.
Proposed Indoor Gun Club Brings Up Noise and Safety Concerns in Massachusetts (Oct. 22, 1997). According to The Patriot Ledger of Quincy, Massachusetts, some Brookline residents are in favor of opening an indoor gun club in Quincy Center for the training of law officers and for recreational shooters. But Sgt. Robert Perchard, chief of firearms inspections for the police department, questioned the appropriateness of the downtown location, citing safety and noise concerns.
Still No Relief from Dust and Noise for Tennessee Residents (Oct. 22, 1997). The Knoxville News-Sentinel of Knoxville, Tennessee, reports that some Lonsdale residents are seeking help from the city to force owners of a slag-processing operation to follow previously made agreements that would give residents some relief from noise and dust.
Village in New York Passes Nighttime Noise Ordinance Targeting "Unreasonable" Noise (Oct. 22, 1997). The Buffalo News reports that the Sloan, New York Village Board recently adopted a nighttime noise ordinance that targets "unreasonable" noise. The ordinance carries fines of up to $250.
Virginia County Considers New Zoning Ordinance Intended to Reduce Conflicts Between Suburban and Agricultural Uses (Oct. 22, 1997). The Roanoke Times & World News reports that a public hearing will be held tonight to draw comments on Montgomery County, Virginia's proposed new zoning ordinance. The changes to the ordinance have been proposed in an attempt to reduce potential conflicts between agricultural uses and suburban residential uses of land. Suburbanites in the past have complained of certain agricultural uses which they say cause noise and odor problems. Meanwhile, farmers are find it increasingly difficult to use their land for agricultural uses as suburban sprawl surrounds them.
Bangkok Authorities Will Start Enforcing Noise Standard on Boats Traveling in City Canals (Oct. 20, 1997). The Bangkok Post reports that residents in the Klongside area of Bangkok, Thailand will get some relief from the noise generated by boats on the city's canals when authorities begin strong action against them in December. Boats which violate the noise standard of 100 decibels, as specified in the 1992 Environment Act, will face a fine of 1,000 baht, according to Sirithan Boriboon, director general of Pollution Control Department. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Pollution Control Department, the Harbour Department, and the police will combine efforts to instigate the crackdown, the article says.
New York City Resident Argues That the City's New Noise Ordinance is Meaningless (Oct. 20, 1997). The New York Times printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Adrienne Leban, a New York City resident, who says that the city's recently passed ordinance that raises the fines for noise violators will not work for several reasons:
British Neighbors Near Auto Maintenance Shop Want Peace and Quiet on Weekends (Oct. 15, 1997). The Northern Echo of England reports that after a public inquiry yesterday that a bid by Kwik Fit, a tire and exhaust fitting chain, to expand its operations near a market town's conservation area would result in an unacceptable disturbance to residents. The district health officer said residents should not lose their freedom from noise on the weekends and holidays.
City and County Noise Ordinances in Idaho Prove Effective (Oct. 4, 1997). The Idaho Statesman reports that two noise ordinances passed this year in Boise and Ada County, Idaho appear to be working, according to officials. Noise citations are up and complaints are down, they said.
Gardener Associations and Leaf Blower Manufacturer Sue Los Angeles Over Leaf Blower Ban (Oct. 4, 1997). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that several local gardener associations and one of the nation's largest makers of leaf blowers, Echo Inc., are suing the city of Los Angeles over its ban on gas-powered blowers. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, and argues that if a ban is set on leaf blowers because of their noise, the ban also should apply to lawn mowers and weed trimmers.
Arizona Town and Kennel Fight Over Noise from Barking Dogs (Oct. 1, 1997). The Arizona Republic reports that city officials in Paradise Valley, Arizona, a kennel owner, and neighbors of the kennel are involved in a fight over noise from barking dogs. Last spring, the town's code enforcement committee decided that the kennel owner's barking dogs violated a town code and placed restrictions on the kennel. Last week, the committee rejected the kennel owner's motion to hold a re-hearing of the decision. Meanwhile, the kennel owner has filed two lawsuits against the town, the article says.
Cleveland City Police Fine Road Crew Workers for Noisy Nighttime Work (Sep. 28, 1997). The Plain Dealer reports that the Cleveland (Ohio) police fined two employees of the construction company building the Jennings Freeway for making too much noise late Friday night. The police's action came after residents living near the construction project complained about the late-night noise.
Cleveland Police Say Noise Ordinance Will be Enforced at Freeway Construction Site (Sep. 27, 1997). The Plain Dealer reports that Cleveland (Ohio) police say they will begin to crack down on nighttime construction workers at the new Jennings Freeway site because of noise complaints from nearby residents. Police were to begin monitoring the site last night and issuing citations for violating the city noise ordinance if necessary. Police had previously told residents there was nothing they could do about the nighttime noise because the construction company had a 24-hour work permit.
Louisiana City Police Start Fining Owners of Car Alarms That Go Off Unnecessarily (Sep. 24, 1997). The Times-Picayune reports that Kenner (Louisiana) Police Chief Nick Congemi this week started using the city's noise ordinance to curb the number of false car alarms his officers investigate. Officers now will give summons to any vehicle owner whose alarm has sounded for more than 15 minutes, unless criminal activity is suspected, the article says. The summons carries a maximum fine of $500, 60 days in jail, or both. Congemi's crackdown on car alarms comes after he proposed a bylaw to the City Council that would have fined vehicle owners $25 for false or faulty car alarms, but councillors didn't even discuss the proposal.
Massachusetts Town Passes Noise Control Ordinance With Stiff Fines (Sep. 23, 1997). The Telegram & Gazette reports that the Southbridge (Massachusetts) Town Council passed on a 9-2 vote a noise-control bylaw that sets fines for unreasonable noise levels. The fine for first-time offenders is double that of most other town infractions, the article says.
British Residents Kept Awake by Noise from Cable Company Night Work (Sep. 18, 1997). The Northern Echo of England reports that residents of Darlington Borough, England, disturbed by noise from late-night work by a cable TV company brought their objections to town officials.
Los Angeles City Council Moves to Place Restrictions on Noisy Jets at Van Nuys Airport (Sep. 17, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that the Los Angeles City Council will develop an ordinance to limit noisy jets at Van Nuys Airport, and to extend a nighttime curfew, now that the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the plan.
Maine City Councillors Reject Residents' Bid to Restrict Leaf Blowers (Sep. 17, 1997). The Bangor Daily News reports that City Councillors on Bangor, Maine's municipal operations committee heard complaints from three residents Tuesday about leaf blower noise in their neighborhood, and decided to contact the noise offender rather than re-write the noise ordinance at this point.
Rhode Island Town Council Considers Ordinance Creating Quiet-Zones (Sep. 17, 1997). The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the Cumberland, Rhode Island Town Council will vote tonight on a proposed noise control ordinance that would allow noise-sensitive zones to be established in areas in which residents show that noise is hazardous to their health. The proposal was brought by two residents who say the noise in their neighborhood is bad for their health. Several city officials, however, believe the ordinance is not a good idea and will not pass.
Connecticut Town Council Tables Noise Ordinance Proposal (Sep. 16, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the South Windsor (Connecticut) Town Council voted to table a proposed noise ordinance for a month and gather more information after a public hearing on the issue Monday. The ordinance was proposed after residents complained about noise from Cupid Diaper Co. of Satellite Road.
British Council Uses New Powers to Quiet Noisy Neighbor (Sep. 12, 1997). The Northern Echo of England reports that a resident of West Cornforth, England, who held noisy, late-night parties has been ordered by a judge to stop the noise.
Georgia County Commission Considers Broad Noise Ordinance (Sep. 11, 1997). The Atlanta Journal reports that County Commissioners in Newton County, Georgia are considering adopting a noise ordinance that would limit a wide range of noises, including excessive noise from car horns, loud music, noisy animals, and ice cream truck music.
Portland Officials Concerned about Noise if Business Express Moves to Maine (Sep. 11, 1997). The Kennebec Journal of Augusta, Maine, reports that negotiations between Portland, Maine, and New Hampshire-based Business Express, who would like to move its headquarters and maintenance operations to Maine, have reached a standstill. State officials are hoping to help the two parties come to an agreement. Portland's main objection to the move is noise pollution from the maintenance operations.
Second Hearing Held on Noise Ordinance in Massachusetts Town (Sep. 9, 1997). The Telegram & Gazette reports that the Town Council in Southbridge, Massachusetts held its second hearing on a proposed ordinance that would set time limits on some types of noisy activity and institute methods of punishing offenders. Councillor Mark Carron made a motion to send the proposed ordinance back to the General Government Subcommittee for further review and revision. But that motion was defeated by an 8-5 vote. The third and final hearing, at which councillors are expected to vote on the ordinance, will be held September 22.
Residents in Massachusetts Town Vote to Uphold Ban on Motorcycles on Frozen Ponds (Sep. 9, 1997). The Patriot Ledger reports that residents in Halifax, Massachusetts voted at last night's special town meeting to keep a ban on motorcycles on the town's frozen waterways. The ban originally was passed at the May town meeting as part of a new boating bylaw. But William Cafarelli had asked that the bylaw be amended to allow motorcycle use between 10 a.m. and dusk, the article says.
Frustrated by Years of Noise from Foundry, British Residents Will Fight (Sep. 9, 1997). The Northern Echo of England, reports that residents of Tow Law, England are strengthening their fight against noise from a foundry after a local man was arrested and fined for protesting at the Bonds Foundry.
Cities Nationwide Enact Noise Control Ordinances (Sep. 7, 1997). The Telegraph Herald reports that cities across the country have recently passed noise ordinances targeting everything from car stereos, motorcycles, noisy night clubs, outdoor concerts, leafblowers, and ice cream trucks. The article goes on to provide a list of cities that recently have passed ordinances.
Noise Pollution Diminishes Well-Being in an Iowa Town (Sep. 7, 1997). The Telegraph Herald reports that noise pollution is an important issue for many Dubuque, Iowa residents. The article explores the ways in which noise affects our health and well-being, and then goes on to describe Dubuque's noise ordinance and problems with its enforcement.
Noisy Ice Cream Trucks in New York are a Nuisance, Columnist Argues (Sep. 7, 1997). The New York Times printed an editorial in which the writer complains about the noise from ice cream trucks in New York City. The editorial discusses how it is virtually impossible to enforce the current rules regarding noise from the trucks
Iowa Town Ordinance Prohibits Excessive Noise (Sep. 7, 1997). The Telegraph Herald reports that the noise ordinance in Dubuque, Iowa prohibits many excessive noises. The article goes on to describe the specifics of the city ordinance.
Connecticut Town Agrees to Spend $10,000 on Noise Meter and Enforcement Training (Sep. 6, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the board of finance in Middletown, Connecticut agreed Thursday to spend $10,000 for a noise meter and training to enforce the town's new noise ordinance.
Florida City Sends Noise Ordinance Back to the Drawing Board (Aug. 29, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that the Tampa (Florida) City Council decided Thursday to ask city attorneys to rewrite the proposed noise ordinance after hearing protests from both residents and business owners. The ordinance is not scheduled for review again until December 4.
Noise Ordinance in Florida City is Delayed Because of Rewriting (Aug. 29, 1997). The St. Petersburg Times reports that city lawyers in Tampa, Florida said they need more time to rewrite a proposed noise ordinance so that it can be applied across the city. City officials have postponed the next public hearing on the noise ordinance to December.
Connecticut Town Approves $10,000 Purchase of Noise Meter to Enforce Ordinance (Aug. 28, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the Select Board in Cromwell, Connecticut voted unanimously Wednesday to spend $10,000 for a noise meter and training for the officers who would use it. The equipment will be used to enforce an ordinance passed last spring that prohibits noise over 45 decibels.
New York Town Disregards its Own Leaf Blower Ban (Aug. 26, 1997). Newsday reports that the City of Long Beach, New York considers itself exempt from its own leaf blower ban passed in 1994. The city's position came to light after a resident complained about city employees using leaf blowers near her home, only to be told the city considers itself exempt from the law.
Massachusetts Town Councillor Asks Residents to Support Proposed Noise Bylaw (Aug. 19, 1997). The Telegram & Gazette reports that Dale Johonnett, a Southbridge, Massachusetts Town Councillor, urged residents last night to let their town councillors know they support a proposed noise control bylaw or it may be defeated.
More Local Laws on Long Island and Around the Country Ban or Limit Leaf Blower Use (Aug. 11, 1997). Newsday reports that residents and officials on New York's Long Island and in other communties around the country are increasingly complaining about and seeking to pass laws restricting the use of leaf blowers. The article goes on to explore restrictions in Long Island communities, including a ban enacted by the Village of Great Neck Estates in June on the summertime use of gasoline-powered blowers. In addition, the article explores the history of leaf blowers, the health effects of leaf blowers, and attempts by leaf blower manufacturers to make the machines quieter and more palatable to residents.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Illegal in LA, But Debate Over Their Use Continues (Aug. 10, 1997). Newsday reports that an ordinance that went into effect on July 1 in Los Angeles, California bans the use of leaf blowers within 500 feet of homes. One week after the ordinance took effect, however, enforcement was postponed for six months at the urging of the Los Angeles Police Department. Meanwhile, the article reports, the debate over the use of leaf blowers continues, garnering both strong support and strong opposition.
New Hearing on Railroad Noise in Washington City Scheduled (Aug. 7, 1997). The Seattle Times reports that the City Council in Everett, Washington has scheduled a new public hearing to review a proposed ordinance that would limit noise from the "makeup yard" at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad yard. The public hearing is set for 7 pm on August 20 in order to accomodate citizens who couldn't attend a morning hearing yesterday.
Resident Says Albany's Noise Laws are not Adequate or Enforced (Aug. 4, 1997). The Times Union printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Paul Tick, a resident and chair of the Environment Committee, regarding noise regulations in Albany, New York:
City in New York Continues Campaign to Ban Nightly Truck Traffic on Residential Street (Aug. 4, 1997). The Capital District Business Review reports that the city of Watervliet, New York is continuing its campaign to ban most nightly truck traffic on 25th Street, a residential street that has provided access to the major routes into and out of the city for nearly a century. Previous ordinances have been implemented twice, but have been challenged successfully in court. Each time, the ordinance has been rewritten by the city to address problems arising from the court challenges. Now, the city council is considering whether to enact another rewritten ordinance, and is seeking public input at a public hearing on August 7.
Connecticut City Considers Restricting Ice Cream Truck Music After Resident Complaints (Jul. 30, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that about 40 residents who attended a neighborhood meeting Tuesday in Hartford, Connecticut to talk about neighborhood problems agreed to propose that the city pass an ordinance that would prohibit ice cream truck vendors from selling their goods after 9 p.m. and would require vendors to reduce the noise level of their bells and songs. The meeting was sponsored by Hartford Areas Rally Together, the article says.
Florida County Commission to Vote on New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 29, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that Florida's Pasco County Commission is expected to make a decision today on a new noise ordinance that would allow sheriff's deputies to ticket noise violators without using a sound meter.
Boise Considers Ordinance to Control Barking Dogs (Jul. 28, 1997). The Idaho Statesman reports that city attorneys in Boise, Idaho are drafting an extension of the city's new noise ordinance that would include measures to control barking dogs.
California Town Drops the Idea of Regulating Leaf Blowers (Jul. 24, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that Oxnard, California City Council -- which was considering restrictions on leaf blowers because of noise and pollution issues raised by residents -- has decided instead to encourage a dialogue among landscapers and residents to develop a compromise solution.
Noise Laws in Albany Should be Enforced, Columnist Thinks (Jul. 24, 1997). The Times printed an editorial in which the writer reports at the last caucus of the Albany Common Council, the council president circulated a letter from residents of Central Avenue asking the council to pass an ordinance directed at cars with loud boom boxes. The writer points out that the city's ordinances are already very tough on noise, but the codes are not very well-publicized or used.
Ohio City and County Set to Discuss Noise Problems at Outdoor Amphitheatre (Jul. 24, 1997). The Dayton Daily News reports that Columbus (Ohio) City Council President Michael Coleman will meet with Delaware County commissioners to discuss complaints about noise and violence at the Polaris Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre, about five miles north of Columbus, is under the jurisdiction of the city, and county commissioners recently have said Columbus officials have been lax about controlling concert-related noise. Residents living near the amphitheatre have complained about its noise since it opened in 1994. Meanwhile, the city attorney's office is drafting a new noise ordinance, the article reports.
Citizens Protest Noisy Outdoor Opera by Mowing their Lawns During Performance (Jul. 23, 1997). The Ottawa Citizen reports that citizens in London, Ontario protested outdoor performances of the Garsington Opera by synchronizing their lawnmoving, hedge trimming, and other yard work during the opening night of the opera festival, June 9. In response to the long feud between the villagers and opera officials, the South Oxfordshire District Council has decided to prosecute the opera company.
Mayor of Ohio Town Wants a New Noise Ordinance; Some Residents Oppose the Idea (Jul. 23, 1997). The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that a new noise ordinance is being considered by the city council in Deer Park, Ohio to deal mostly with loud car stereos. The proposed ordinance has the support of the city's mayor, but is being opposed by at least two outspoken residents.
Florida City Set to Adopt Noise Ordinance (Jul. 22, 1997). The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Sanford (Florida) City Commission is expected to pass a proposed noise ordinance next week.
Minneapolis Noise Ordinance Misrepresented in Paper (Jul. 20, 1997). The Star Tribune reports that a Minneapolis city official and some Minneapolis residents were upset by the wording of a Star Tribune article on July 12 which described the new noise ordinance passed by the Minneapolis City Council. Residents and the city official claim the article was hyperpole and editorializing, and misled readers into believing the ordinance is unreasonable. The article goes on to quote the offending paragraph of the article, and to print more information about the city's ordinance.
Tampa Moves Forward With Ordinance to Control Noise in the Entertainment District (Jul. 18, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that the Tampa (Florida) City Council decided Thursday to consider in three weeks a new noise ordinance aimed at noisy bars in the Ybor City entertainment district. The article says that if bar owners voluntarily improve the situation, the council might decide to put the noise ordinance on the back burner. However, the article reports, if the ordinance is passed when the council considers it in three weeks, it would then be called up for a second and final vote in 90 days.
Los Angeles Delays Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Till January (Jul. 17, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles' City Council is putting off enforcement on an ordinance that would ban gas-fueled leaf blowers. Police will attempt to decide how to enforce the ordinance during the six months, which will also help to make gardeners who oppose the ordinance adapt.
New York Village Board Postpones Action on Noise Ordinance Due to Split Vote (Jul. 17, 1997). The Buffalo News reports that the Blasdell (New York) Village Board decided Wednesday to postpone action on a proposed noise ordinance because the board was split on the issue 2-2 in the absence of Mayor Ernest Jewett.
Residents Give Their Opinions on Los Angeles Leaf Blower Ban (Jul. 13, 1997). The Los Angeles Times printed the following letters-to-the-editor from Los Angeles area residents regarding the new ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers:
Minneapolis Passes New Noise Ordinance (Jul. 12, 1997). The Star Tribune reports that the Minneapolis (Minnesota) City Council has adopted a new noise ordinance that targets noise from almost any source, with some exemptions such as for aircraft in flight.
Planning Commission in California Town Decides Noise Ordinance Isn't Needed (Jul. 12, 1997). The Press-Enterprise reports that the Planning Commission in Norco, California has recommended that the city not pursue an anti-noise ordinance after two attempts to draw up an ordinance by the city staff met with problems. City Councillor Chris Sorensen had asked the city staff to draw up a draft ordinance for consideration by the council at the request of a resident who was being harassed by a neighbor playing loud music. The City Council has the final say on the ordinance, and will discuss it at its Aug. 6 meeting.
Florida Restauraunt Files Lawsuit Challenging City's Noise Ordinance That Targets Music (Jul. 11, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that owners of the Lemon Coast Grill in downtown Sarasota, Florida filed a lawsuit against the city Thursday, challenging the noise ordinance that limits outdoor music. The lawsuit argues that the ordinance is unconstitutional, and asks for an injunction that would prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance until the case is resolved.
New York Town to Draft Noise Ordinance in Response to Resident Complaints (Jul. 10, 1997). The Buffalo News reports that the Town Board in Clarence, New York has directed its planning office to come up with a draft noise ordinance to address complaints about an unacceptable level of neighbhorhood noise.
Hard to Imagine Los Angeles Without Constant Whine of Leaf Blowers, Writer Believes (Jul. 5, 1997). The Vancouver Sun reports in an editorial that after months of intense political battle, the ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers in Los Angeles, California finally took effect, and the city may never be the same. The editorial writer believes it is difficult to imagine the city without the constant noise of leaf blowers. He goes on to outline the ban and the controversy surrounding it.
Editorial Argues a Compromise on Los Angeles's Leaf Blower Ban is Needed (Jul. 3, 1997). The Los Angeles Times prints an editorial that finds fault in an approved ordinance that will fine gardeners gardeners up to $1,000 -- or give repeat offenders a six-month jail term -- for using leaf blowers within 500 feet of homes. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect on July 1st, but the paper says that police will be overburdened and will have difficulty enforcing the rule. Instead, the editorial suggests a modification to allow a gradual phase-out of leaf blowers or more lenient restrictions that simply govern their hours of use.
Proposed County Noise Ordinance in Virginia Will be Reworked after Residents Complained it Unfairly Targeted Gun Owners (Jul. 3, 1997). The Richmond Times Dispatch reports that the New Kent County (Virginia) Board of Supervisors agreed to rework a proposed noise ordinance after members of the public convinced them that the ordinance unfairly targeted gun owners.
Village in New York Considers Noise Ordinance Directed at Loud Nighttime Music (Jul. 3, 1997). The Buffalo News reports that the Village Board in Blasdell, New York will hold a public hearing July 16 on adding a noise ordinance to the village code, in response to complaints from residents about loud music after 2 or 3 a.m. According to the article, the proposed ordinance would limit noise levels to 65 decibels between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., and 60 decibels from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., said Village Clerk Barbara Cesar. Noise levels would be measured with a decibel sound meter installed in a police car.
Wisconsin Village Approves Noise Ordinance to Address Noisy Vehicles (Jul. 3, 1997). The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Village Board in Bayside, Wisconsin has approved an ordinance that allows police officers to issue disorderly conduct citations to motorists for any loud noise coming from a vehicle, including loud car stereos and peeling rubber when accelerating. According to the article, the ordinance was requested by Police Chief Bruce Resnick because officers currently have no enforcement power over such behavior. The article adds that the ordinance does not cover noise from motorcycles.
Long Island Village Bans Leaf Blowers for the Summer; Two Other Towns Limit Leaf Blower Hours (Jul. 2, 1997). Newsday reports that the village of Great Neck Estates, New York has banned the use of gasoline- or diesel-powered leaf blowers within 300 feet of residential property between June 15 and Sept. 15. After the ban expires in September, the village will decide whether to keep it, change it, or drop it. Meanwhile, two other Long Island towns, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, have restricted the use of leaf blowers to certain hours.
Los Angeles Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Begins, But Police Still Figuring Out How to Enforce It (Jul. 2, 1997). The Commercial Appeal reports that rakes and brooms showed up in lawns and gardens in Los Angeles yesterday as the city's ban on gas-powered leaf blowers took effect. Some gardeners continued to use leaf blowers in defiance of the law. Meanwhile, more than 500 gardeners staged a protest at City Hall, demanding a one-year moratorium on the new law so its impact can be studied further. As gardeners struggle with the new ordinance, police are still in the process of drawing up guidelines to enforce it.
Los Angeles Gardeners Protest City Ordinance Banning Leaf-Blowers (Jul. 2, 1997). The Metropolitan News-Enterprise reports that hundreds of gardeners staged a protest at Los Angeles' City Hall yesterday to oppose an ordinance that bans the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers within 500 feet of residences starting today.
Ohio City Passes Ordinance to Target Loud Car Stereos (Jul. 2, 1997). The Dayton Daily News reports that the Huber Heights (Ohio) City Council passed an amendment to the city's noise ordinance last week that restricts noise from car stereos, effective immediately.
Residents Living Near Ohio Amphitheater Complain About Noise, While County Official Launches Effort to Help (Jul. 2, 1997). The Columbus Dispatch reports that residents living near the Polaris Amphitheater in Westerville, Ohio have been complaining about noise from concerts for several years, with little tangible result. Now, Delaware County Commissioner Donald Wuertz has launched an effort to get the city of Columbus to enforce its noise ordinance, and visited residents near the amphitheater last night during an Ozzy Osbourne concert. The article goes on to focus on the impact of the concert noise on the life of one family who lives near the amphitheater.
Neighbors of Ohio Amphitheater Have Little Legal Recourse to Quiet the Music (Jul. 1, 1997). The Columbus Dispatch reports that neighbors of the Polaris Amphitheater, in Columbus, Ohio in southern Delaware County, have brought their noise complaints to Delaware County officials after saying they get no help from Columbus officials. Columbus has jurisdiction over the amphitheater. At a meeting between officials from Delaware County, Westerville, and Columbus yesterday to discuss noise problems from Polaris, Delaware County officials learned that a violation of Columbus's noise ordinance requires decibel levels to be over 65 decibels for an average of an hour and complaints cannot be registered over the telephone. In addition, only residents of Columbus can file a complaint, the article says. Neighbors who live in Westerville or unincorporated Delaware County have no legal recourse.
Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in Los Angeles Set to Start Despite Protests from Gardeners (Jun. 29, 1997). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that an ordinance banning gas-powered leaf blowers will take effect Tuesday in Los Angeles, despite increasing pressure from gardeners to call off the ban. A group of Latino gardeners plans to stage a nine-hour sit-in / protest in front of City Hall on the first day of the new ordinance. Meanwhile, the City Council is set to consider a proposal that would exempt gas-powered leaf vacuums from the ordinance, even though they produce the same noise levels.
California City to Consider Limits to Leaf-Blowers in Response to a Pastor's Campaign Against Them (Jun. 28, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that church pastor Jim Bain of Oxnard, California has launched a campaign against leaf-blowers, saying the machines plague asthmatics and emit ear-splitting noise. Bain has collected about 65 signatures on an anti-leaf-blower petition, and in response to the issue, the Oxnard City Council will discuss restricting leaf-blowers at a meeting Tuesday.
Idaho County to Decide on Exemption to Noise Law Involving Sporting Events and Fairs (Jun. 26, 1997). The Idaho Statesman reports that Ada County (Idaho) Commissioners will hold a special meeting today to vote on an amendment to the county's noise ordinance that would allow regularly scheduled sporting events and fairs to be exempt from the regulations. The noise ordinance was passed in early June, and prohibits noise that is plainly audible from 100 feet of the source between 10 p.m and 7 a.m. Already exempted from the ordinance are emergency sirens, trains, planes, and authorized fireworks displays. If approved, the new exemption would allow the Boise Hawks Stadium to continue to use their PA system after 10 p.m.
Illinois City Considers Extending Nighttime Noise Ordinance to Businesses (Jun. 26, 1997). The Chicago Tribune reports that the Aurora (Illinois) City Council Government Operations Committee is considering extending a nighttime noise prohibition that now applies to homes, to cover businesses adjacent to residential areas.
Idaho County Should Revise Noise Ordinance (Jun. 24, 1997). The Idaho Statesman reports in an editorial that Ada County's new noise ordinance should be revised to be more flexible, but fair and strict at the same time. The shortcomings of the ordinance were obvious, the editorial says, during a recent outdoor concert and baseball game.
Neighborhood Group and Local Illinois City Police Work Together to Enforce Anti-Noise Law (Jun. 24, 1997). The Chicago Tribune reports that an effort in Aurora, Illinois to enforce a noise ordinance directed at blaring stereos from vehicles has combined the forces of the Near West Side Neighborhood Association with community police officers. Under "Operation Boombox," as the effort is called, residents in the neighborhood group use two-way radios to notify nearby squad cars if they hear a blaring vehicle stereo, allowing police officers to arrive quickly at the scene and determine whether a violation has occurred. If so, officers can impound the vehicle, the article says.
Regulating Noise in Florida County is as Hard as Banning Strip Bars (Jun. 23, 1997). The St. Petersburg Times reports in a humorous editorial that the attempt by Pasco County (Florida) to come up with a way to regulate noise has turned out to be nearly impossible. The writer compares the attempt to define and enforce a noise ordinance with earlier attempts to close down strip bars.
Florida City Outlaws Ice Cream Truck Noise (Jun. 20, 1997). The Palm Beach Post reports in an editorial that noise from ice cream trucks is against the law in Boca Raton, Florida. The editorial writer goes on to lament that ice cream trucks have had their friendly bells and music taken away, and to say that silent ice cream trucks are ridiculous.
Illinois City Passes Ordinance to Quiet Outdoor Music (Jun. 20, 1997). The Chicago Tribune reports that the City Council in Batavia, Illinois has approved changes to the current municipal code aimed at quieting outdoor music.
Ohio Official Tries to Get Action on Amphitheater Noise Complaints, But Gets Nowhere (Jun. 19, 1997). The Columbus Dispatch reports that Don Wuertz, president of the Delaware County (Ohio) Commission, tried to respond to residents' complaints about noise from the Polaris Amphitheater Tuesday night, but could get no action from Columbus police. Wuertz says that the amphitheater has not been a good neighbor, and the city of Columbus is ignoring complaints of the residents who live near it.
Wisconsin Town Board Tells Resident They Can't Regulate Lawn Mower Noise (Jun. 19, 1997). The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Village Board members in Brown Deer, Wisconsin told a resident Monday they don't believe they have the power to restrict lawn mower noise. The resident, Jerry Freidenfeld, had asked the board to help him turn down the noise on the volume of the lawn mowers used by some of his neighbors.
Legal Worries Complicate Passage of Florida County Noise Ordinance (Jun. 18, 1997). The St. Petersburg Times reports that the Pasco County (Florida) Commission and sheriff's office have been trying to create and pass a noise ordinance to respond to frequent noise complaints, but have been delayed by legal worries about whether the ordinance would hold up in court.
Florida County Considers Stricter Noise Ordinance (Jun. 17, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that the Pasco County (Florida) Commission will hold a hearing this morning on proposed changes to the existing noise ordinance that would define stricter noise limits and allow sheriff's deputies to issue violations.
Massachusetts Town Considers Noise Bylaw (Jun. 17, 1997). The Telegram & Gazette reports that the Southbridge, Massachusetts Town Council General Government subcommittee held a meeting last night to consider a proposed noise bylaw. The subcommittee and several residents who attended the meeting were concerned about excess noise at all times of day, but especially late at night and early in the morning.
Sarasota Resident Thinks New Noise Ordinance is Unworkable (Jun. 17, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Leslie Freeman, a Sarasota, Florida resident, regarding the city's new noise ordinance. Freeman says the ordinance is unworkable because the decibel limits are too low, and calls on citizens to oppose the 10 p.m. weekday curfew on outdoor music. The letter follows:
Washington City Changes Ordinance to Allow Construction Noise on Saturdays (Jun. 17, 1997). The Seattle Times reports that the City Council in Bellevue, Washington has approved changes to the city's noise ordinance that will allow construction noise between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition, subcontractors will now be fined up to $250 for making noise during quiet hours. Previously, the article reports, the city charged the general contractor of a project for noise violations.
Festival in Ottawa Should be Subject to Noise Ordinance (Jun. 16, 1997). The Ottawa Citizen printed the following letter-to-the-editor from John Taylor, an Ottawa resident, about the noise from loud music at the city's Italian Week festival:
Massachusetts City Considers Detailed Noise Ordinance (Jun. 16, 1997). The Telegram & Gazette reports that the General Government Subcommittee in Southbridge, Massachusetts will review a proposed bylaw tonight designed to prohibit unlawful noise which "annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of any reasonable person, of normal sensitivity, residing in the area." The Town Council must hold three readings on the noise bylaw before voting on its acceptance, the article says.
New York Town Approves New Method to Combat Noise Violations (Jun. 11, 1997). The Buffalo News reports that police in Buffalo, New York today announced a new system for ticketing noise violators that is expected to get quicker results. Starting Monday, police officers will write summonses for a variety of ordinance violations, including noise violations, and the cases will be handled in the Adjudication Bureau of City Hall. Previously, policy had to make arrests, and the cases went to City Court, the article says.
Florida City to Study Recently Passed Noise Ordinance and Consider Alterations (Jun. 11, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that the Sarasota (Florida) City Commission agreed Tuesday to leave a recently passed noise ordinance as it is for now, but to investigate whether it needs to be changed by first undertaking more noise tests. A controversy arose after two restaurant owners recently were fined for noise from outdoor music, and noise readings of the police differed from noise readings of the restaurant owners.
Los Angeles City Council Approves Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuums After Prohibiting Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (Jun. 11, 1997). The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that after passing an ordinance earlier this year outlawing noisy, gasoline-powered leaf blowers, the Los Angeles City Council Tuesday approved an exemption for gas-powered leaf vacuums, which have similar noise levels as leaf blowers.
Idaho County Passes Noise Ordinance (Jun. 10, 1997). The Idaho Statesman reports that the Ada County (Idaho) Commission has approved a noise ordinance that bans "loud or offensive" noise that is audible 100 feet or more from the source between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The ordinance covers Boise, Idaho and all other locations in the county.
Virginia County Postpones Decision on Noise Ordinance (Jun. 10, 1997). The Richmond Times Dispatch reports that the New Kent County (Virginia) Board of Supervisors last night deferred a decision on a proposed noise ordinance, after the board heard from gun owners and others who said the ordinanc would take away personal rights.
Florida City's Enforcement of Outdoor Music Regulations Draws Complaints from Bar-Owners (Jun. 10, 1997). The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that last month, the Sarasota, Florida City Commission passed two ordinances designed to control outdoor amplified music, and over the past weekend, police officers issued violations to owners of the Lemon Coast Grill and Groove, and the Main Street Depot. Business owners are saying they were targeted to receive violations and that the city's decibel readings are much higher than their own readings.
Florida Ice Cream Man Arrested for Noise Violation (Jun. 7, 1997). The Palm Beach Post reports that police in Boca Raton, Florida busted ice cream vendor Brian Calvert on May 30 for failing to have a permit to sell ice cream in the city, and playing music to draw customers, thereby violating the city noise ordinance.
What Residents Can Do About Neighborhood Noise in St. Petersburg (Jun. 6, 1997). The St. Petersburg Times printed a letter from a resident asking a columnist whether there is a noise ordinance in St. Petersburg, Florida. The resident, W. Bytautas, has a neighbor who plays the drums and the noise is unbearable. The resident asks the columnist how to get action on this problem. The columnist responds by saying there is a noise ordinance in St. Petersburg, but the code compliance officers do not get involved in residential disturbances. The columnist advises calling the police.
New, Massive Roller Coaster Causes Noise Problems for Pennsylvania Residents (Jun. 5, 1997). The Morning Call reports that a new roller coaster in Cetronia, Pennsylvania is driving residents crazy. The 200-foot tall roller coaster, called "Steel Force," is located at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and is billed as the tallest, fastest coaster in the East. The roller coaster went up only after a long fight by residents, and eventual agreements on noise limitations by the company. Now, about a dozen residents who live nearby have invited South Whitehall commissioners to come to their homes and backyards to hear the noise. The commissioners plan to accept the invitation, and they want officials from Dorney Park officials to do the same.
Ohio Town Police Chief Wants Noise Ordinance for Car Stereos (Jun. 5, 1997). The Plain Dealer reports that Medina, Ohio Police Chief Dennis Hanwell has asked the city council to amend the existing noise ordinance to allow police to use their own discretion in issuing citations for noise generated by car stereos in parking lots. City Councillor Pam Miller said she expects council to approve the amendment, the article says.
Connecticut Town Considers Passing Noise Ordinance (Jun. 5, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the board of selectmen in Stafford, Connecticut decided Wednesday to pursue passage of a town noise ordinance. The decision was prompted by a letter from a resident, signed also by about 30 other people, complaining about the noise levels of car stereo systems.
Virginia Town Strengthens Noise Ordinance to Deal With Car Stereos (Jun. 4, 1997). The Virginian-Pilot reports that the Elizabeth City, Virginia City Council has unanimously passed a stronger noise ordinance addressed at loud car stereos.
Florida City Clerk Arrested for Barking Dog (Jun. 4, 1997). The St. Petersburg Times reports that Gulfport, Florida resident and St. Petersburg Beach City Clerk Pamala Prell was cited, fined, fingerprinted, booked, bailed out, and brought to court over noise from her barking Doberman pinscher.
Controlling Car Stereos is a Good Idea in Connecticut Town (Jun. 3, 1997). The Hartford Courant printed an editorial in which the recent move by the board of selectmen in Stafford, Connecticut to consider a noise ordinance for car stereos is applauded. The editorial advises the board of selectmen to act quickly to approve the ordinance, and advises townspeople to support the proposal at public hearings.
Eleven Orange County, California Cities Regulate or Ban Leaf Blowers (Jun. 2, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that although the City of Laguna Niguel, California recently rejected a proposal to regulate leaf-blowers, ten other cities in Orange County have imposed regulations, and one city has banned leaf-blowers. The article outlines how the regulations have been passed or rejected in some of the cities, and provides a list of which cities have regulations currently.
Noise Tests of Nightclub Along Massachusetts Coast Show Mitigation Measures May Be Working (Jun. 2, 1997). The Patriot Ledger reports that residents in the Marina Bay area of Quincy, Massachusetts who complained last summer about noise from the WaterWorks seaside club may have a quieter summer this year due to new noise barriers at the club. License board Chair Joseph Shea said tests show the noise barriers are successfully blocking the loud music from the club. Shea said license officials will review the noise test results at a 10 a.m. meeting tomorrow, and because the noise problem is being curbed, the board also may vote on requests by the club owner to raise the patron capacity from to 1,250 to 1,600 and extend the 11 p.m. live music curfew until 1 a.m.
North Carolina Town Sets Up Committee to Recommend Changes to the Noise Ordinance (May 29, 1997). The Chapel Hill Herald reports that the Chapel Hill (North Carolina) Town Council voted Tuesday to set up a committee to recommend changes to the town's noise ordinance. The action came in response to Westside resident complaints about the air handling system on the University of North Carolina's Thurston Bowles building. (Ed. note: Chapel Hill residents have also been complaining recently about noise from the University's Horace Williams Airport.) The Town Council said it will invite the university, business owners, and the public to participate on the noise committee, and will ask for neighborhood delegates from Westside, Northside, Chapel Hill's two historic districts, and the Horace Williams Airport vicinity.
Vancouver City Council Passes Noise Ordinance (May 28, 1997). The Vancouver Sun reports that the Vancouver City Council Tuesday adopted a noise ordinance that will crack down on everything from motorcycles to weed-eaters in an effort to make big-city life more civilized. In a somewhat related move, the council also voted to put a halt to further major road construction in Vancouver and provide funding for more buses, trains, bicycles, and pedestrians, an action with benefits to traffic noise levels.
Connecticut Town Studies the Need for a Noise Ordinance (May 26, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the Plainville (Connecticut) Town Council is considering adopting a noise ordinance after hearing resident complaints about noise from tractor trailers.
Urban Noise Task Force In Vancouver Suggests Ways To Quiet Noise (May 22, 1997). The Vancouver Sun reports in an editorial that the Vancouver (British Columbia) Urban Noise Task Force recently produced a list of 165 recommendations on ways to quiet the noise of urban life. The list ranged from motorcyclists who rev their engines, to leaf-blowers, to barking dogs, to the beeping of trucks backing up, to the fall of garbage can lids by careless workers. The list suggests controlling the hours one may mow the lawn, turning all parks into quiet parks, and eliminating the West Coast Expressway's whistle. Councillors will be reviewing the list next Tuesday.
Vancouver Task Force Presents Recommendations on Urban Noise (May 22, 1997). The Vancouver Sun reports that the Vancouver (British Columbia) Urban Noise Task Force, a residents' committee, recently presented the city with a list of 165 recommendations to lessen urban noise. The article prints excerpts from the report, which includes recommendations with respect to harbor air traffic, transportation noise, and watercraft noise.
California City Rejects Proposed Leaf-Blower Ban Due to Low Turn-Out at Hearing (May 21, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that the Laguna Niguel (California) City Council had considered restricting or banning leaf blowers, but rejected the proposal Tuesday night after few residents came to support the proposal.
Florida County Considers Strengthening Noise Ordinance (May 21, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that Pasco County (Florida) Commissioners are considering strengthening the county's noise ordinance. A public hearing will be held before the commissioners vote on whether to adopt the changes to the ordinance.
New York City Borough Creates Part-Time Position for Noise Control Officer (May 21, 1997). The Asbury Park Press reports that the Eatontown (New York) Borough Council voted last week to hire a part-time noise control officer to serve as a liaison between businesses and residents. The officer's work will stress the importance of being a good neighbor to businesses and residents.
California City Considers Banning Leaf Blowers (May 20, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that a Laguna Niguel (California) City Council meeting tonight will address a proposal to ban leaf blowers. Nearby Laguna Beach has already banned the blowers, and is the only community in the county so far to do so. Gardeners and residents who oppose the ordinance promise to attend the meeting in droves.
Florida County Considers Changes to Noise Ordinance (May 20, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that Pasco County (Florida) Commissioners today will consider changes to the county's existing noise ordinance that would make it a misdemeanor to violate the ordinance, would prescribe decibel level limits for all hours of the day, and would give officers the ability to cite violators without a noise meter.
Connecticut Town Approves Noise Ordinance (May 15, 1997). The Hartford Courant reports that the Board of Selectmen in Cromwell, Connecticut Wednesday night approved a revised noise ordinance that forbids noise in excess of 45 decibels.
Costa Mesa Bans Truck Vendors From Using Noise Devices To Attract Customers (May 15, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that on May 5, Costa Mesa (California) officials passed an ordinance that bans the use of horns -- and other attention-getting devices -- from being used by truck vendors for non-driving purposes. The city wants to quiet neighborhoods where residents have complained about noise from truck vendors selling ice cream, produce, and other products. City officials say that some trucks drive by the same area every ten minutes.
Floridian Waterfront Community Fights Excessive Music From Restaurants (May 15, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports the growing commerical restaurant business along the Pithlachascotee River in Port Richey, Florida has residents complaining about the loud live music. The city already has a noise ordinance, which councilman Ron Barnett supported a stricter enforcement of after the city council met with restaurant owners and riverfront residents.
Illinois Town Considers Expanding Noise Restrictions (May 15, 1997). The Chicago Tribune reports that the Downers Grove, Illinois Village Council is considering expanding its noise regulations to restrict the use of outdoor home tools and loud stereos from vehicles. In addition, the council is considering giving police more power in handling noise complaints.
Residents and Task Force in Vancouver Make Recommendations About Noise Regulations (May 15, 1997). The Vancouver (British Columbia) Sun reports that Vancouver's Urban Noise Task Force, a 10-member committee formed by the city council in March 1996 to recommend solutions to urban noise problems, has come up with a report of 165 recommendations to reduce noise. In addition, Tuesday night members of the public were invited to comment on the city's noise problems. Citizens spoke out about problems ranging from motorcycles to street buskers, ambulance sirens to leaf blowers.
Richmond Police Force Responds To Lack Of Noise Regulation Enforcement (May 15, 1997). The Richmond Times Dispatch prints the following letter to the editor written by Sergeant Dale C. Mullen from the Richmond (Virginia) Police Department:
Richmond Police Officers Lack Noise Ordinance Enforcement (May 15, 1997). The Richmond (Virginia) Times Dispatch printed an editorial in response to Sergeant Dale Mullen's letter to the editor defending the police department's actions with respect to the noise ordinance. This editorial claims that there have been only six convictions for violating Richmond's noise ordinance since June 1996, and that this proves the Richmond police have not been actively enforcing the ordinance.
Richmond Police Say Noise Ordinance is Being Enforced, Citing Six Convictions Since June (May 13, 1997). The Richmond Times Dispatch reports that yesterday Charlene Hinton of the Richmond (Virginia) Police Department told the City Council that since last June there have been six convictions for violating the city's noise ordinance. The comments came after the police department had been criticized for not enforcing the noise ordinance.
Florida Town Struggles to Reconcile Noise Issue Between Residents and Restaurant Owners (May 12, 1997). The Tampa Tribune reports that due to a boom in business along Port Richey, Florida's waterfront, four restaurants are now offering live music, outdoor seating, and drinks in the evenings. But homeowners along the Pithlachascotee River and Miller's Bayou, who live directly across from the restaurants, say noise from the restaurants echoes across the water and disrupts their peace. City officials are struggling to solve the problem.
Vending Trucks in California City Must Cut the Noise Under New Rules (May 8, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that on May 5, Costa Mesa (California) officials passed an ordinance that bans the use of horns -- and other attention-getting devices -- from being used by truck vendors for non-driving purposes. The city wants to quiet neighborhoods where residents have complained about noise from truck vendors selling ice cream, produce, and other products. City officials say that some trucks drive by the same area every ten minutes.
Missouri City Strengthens Noise Ordinance (May 8, 1997). The Kansas City Star reports that the City Council in Lee's Summit, Missouri unanimously approved changes to its noise ordinance Tuesday. The changes include adding strict definitions of noise nuisances and giving police officers the ability to generate complaints.
Process for Filing Noise Complaints Made Easier in North Carolina City (May 8, 1997). The News & Record reports that police in Greensboro, North Carolina have made it easier for residents to file noise complaints by permitting them to phone with their name and address rather than show up at the magistrate's office. Noise from fraternity parties is an issue in Greensboro, and administrators from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro have promised to keep closer tabs on fraternities to deal with noise problems.
North Carolina City Considers Raising the Fines for Violators of Noise Ordinance (May 6, 1997). The News & Record reports that the Greensboro (North Carolina) City Council tonight will consider a proposal that would increase penalties for violating the city's noise ordinance, and would make landlords of noisy tenants liable for penalties as well. The proposal is being considered to deal with the partying students in off-campus housing.
Illinois City Amends Noise Ordinance (May 5, 1997). The Chicago Tribune reports that Palos Hills, Illinois has amended its noise ordinance so that it now includes decibel threshold readings. In addition, a decibel meter will now be used by police to make it easier to enforce the regulations.
Florida Town Toughens its Noise Ordinance (May 4, 1997). The Sun-Sentinel reports the city commissioners in Sunrise, Florida last week tentatively approved an ordinance that tightens the city's noise regulations. The proposed ordinance would prohibit loud noises at any time of the day, and police would have the power to determine if a noise is loud enough to be prohibited. The article says that the proposal must be voted on a second time to become law.
Teen Says Boise's New Noise Ordinance Is Unfair (Apr. 28, 1997). The Idaho Statesman printed the following editorial from Janelle Wilson, a teenager in Boise, Idaho, regarding the city's new noise ordinance:
35-Year-Old Knoxville Noise Ordinance May Receive Update (Apr. 22, 1997). The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that a 35-year-old noise ordinance, criticized by residents for being vague and inadequate to current needs, may soon be changed.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Expansion Increases Jet Traffic Over Dania Community (Apr. 19, 1997). The Sun-Sentinel reports that as part of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport's $1.2 billion expansion, the mile-long south runway, next to the Dania community, is to be extended to 9,000 feet within the next five to seven years. The paper reports that more than 200 large jets will eventually use the runway every day.
Goffstown, New Hampshire Holds Public Hearings In Hopes Of Controlling Residential And Car Stereo Noise Pollution (Apr. 19, 1997). The Union Leader reports Town Prosecutor Kerry Steckowych wrote noise prevention ordinances in response to complaints from citizens. The two most significant complaints were against the bass frequency from subwoofer speakers in cars and the disturbance of residential parties, according to Stechowych. The complaints were submitted to Town Administrator John Scruton, who submitted them to the police department. The town of Goffstown plans to discuss the proposed ordinances at a public hearing.
California City Bans Street Vendors, Citing Noise and Other Health Issues (Apr. 9, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that the City Council of Costa Mesa, California has banned pushcart vendors over concerns about non-compliance with health codes, unauthorized vendors, and the noise and trash that they produce and leave behind.
Alaska Residents Speak Out For and Against Proposed Noise Ordinance (Apr. 9, 1997). The Anchorage Daily News reports that more than 80 people attended a hearing at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Alaska) Assembly chambers Tuesday about a proposed noise ordinance that would cover the more populated center. About two-thirds of the citizens who testified spoke against the proposed ordinance.
Louisiana District Considers Noise Ordinance to Control Loud Music With Profanity (Apr. 9, 1997). The Times-Picayune reports that the St. John the Baptist Parish (Louisiana) Council is considering changing the parish's noise ordinance in an attempt to control loud music that contains obscenities. No action was taken at a Tuesday Council meeting, but Assistant District Attorney Charles Lorio agreed to study the council's options in revising the noise ordinance.
Federal Judge Overturns Part of Louisiana City Noise Ordinance (Apr. 8, 1997). The Advocate reports that a federal judge Monday overturned part of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana city-parish ordinance limiting noise in public, saying the local law violated the constitutional rights of a street preacher who sought to use a bullhorn.
California Town Considers Leaf Blower Ordinance (Apr. 3, 1997). The Los Angeles Times reports that La Palma, California's City Council has tentatively approved a noise ordinance to restrict operating noise and time for leaf blowers. Full approval would come with another positive vote on April 15, and enforcement would begin a month later.
Enforceable Noise Ordinance Makes for Quieter Neighborhoods in Vermont College Town (Sep. 22, 1996). The Burlington Free Press reports that police are enforcing Burlington, Vermont's updated noise ordinance by patrolling neighborhoods and issuing fines for violations. According to this article, violators of the noise ordinance are mostly college-age people involved in off-campus parties. Burlington's noise ordinance prohibits noise from any party or social event that "interferes with the peace or health of members of the public or is audible through walls between units within the same building, from another property or from the street." The ordinance discourages Burlington police officers from simply giving a warning if they determine a noise violation has occurred. Penalties for a first offense range from $100 to $500.
Chicago Suburb Bans Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (Sep.1 1996). Conscious Choice reports that the Chicago suburb of Evanston has recently passed strict regulations against gas-powered leaf blowers. As of August 1, 1996, use of gas-powered leaf blowers is banned between May 15 and September 30. The blowers may be used only between April 1 and May 14 and between October 1 and December 15. Furthermore, the city council prohibits the blowers be used before 7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends. The blowers can reach a decibel reading as high as 90 or 100.
Increasing Air Tours Pollute Our National Parks (Jul.1 1994). National Parks Magazine reports that an increase in tourist air flights, in conjunction with other air traffic, is destroying the peace and solitude which many seek when visiting national parks. More than 100 of the 367 units of the National Park System are being negatively affected by air traffic. The flights are also disturbing the parks' wildlife. Government officials are just waking up to the cause of preserving the peace in our parks. The controversy lies in the fact that the parks do not employ or control the flight operators.
Aircraft Noise
Amplified Noise
Effects on Wildlife/Animals
Construction Noise
Firing Ranges
Health Effects
Home Equipment and Appliances
Industrial/Manufacturing
International News
Environmental Justice
Land Use and Noise
Lawsuits
Civil Liberty Issues
Miscellaneous Noise Stories
Noise Organizations Mentioned
Outdoor Events
Noise in Our National Parks/Natural Areas
Regulation
Residential and Community Noise
Snowmobile and ATV Noise
Research and Studies
Technological Solutions to Noise
Transportation Related Noise
Violence and Noise
Watercraft Noise
Workplace Noise
Chronological Index
Geographical Index