Noise Bylaw
Noise Bylaw Highlights
§ 60-610. Designated noise zones.
The properties hereinafter described are hereby assigned to the following noise zones:
A.Noise Zone I: All residential properties and the grounds of any school, hospital or similar health care institution, house of worship or library while the same is in use, and any Cemetery or Open Space Subdistrict.
B.Noise Zone II: All other properties.
§ 60-615. Exterior noise standards.
A.It shall be unlawful for any person at any location within the area of the Town to create any loud noise, or to allow the creation of any noise, on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person, which causes the sound level when measured on any other property to exceed the greater of:
1.The maximum allowable exterior sound level outlined in Table I; or
2.Five dB over the background sound level.
Table I, Maximum Allowable Exterior Sound Level
Noise Zone Daytime Level 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Nighttime Level 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
I 55 dBA 45 dBA
II 65 dBA 60 dBA
If the intruding noise source is continuous and cannot reasonably be discontinued or stopped for a time period whereby the background sound level can be determined, the measured sound level obtained while the source is in operation shall be compared directly to the maximum allowable exterior sound level outlined in Table I.
§ 60-620. Construction noise standards.
A.Noise associated with construction is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays provided the sound level from:
1.Non-impact devices does not exceed 70 dBA as measured over a time interval of 10 minutes with a sound-level meter set to Leq located on any other property, but at least 50 feet from the construction activity; and
2.Impact devices does not exceed 90 dBA as measured with a sound-level meter set to slow response located on any other property, but at least 50 feet from the construction activity.
Between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturday, and at any time on Sunday or a legal holiday, noise associated with construction shall be limited by the standards of § 60-615.
§ 60-625. Maintenance noise standards.
A.Noise associated with maintenance is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, provided the sound level does not exceed 80 dBA as measured with a sound-level meter set to slow response on any other property, but at least 50 feet from the maintenance activity.
B.If it is not possible to make an accurate sound-level measurement at the specified distance of 50 feet, measurements made at an alternate distance can be used, if the level is recalculated for an equivalent expected sound level at 50 feet. Calculations shall be made in accordance with established engineering practices for noise measurement and assessment, including those established or recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
C.Between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturday, and between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sunday or a legal holiday, noise associated with maintenance shall be limited by the standards of § 60-615. For the complete bylaw, click on the link below: