Town sets hearing on noise ordinance

WOODSTOCK, N.Y. » The Town Board has scheduled a March 20 public hearing on a proposed noise ordinance crafted in response to increases complaints about short-term rental properties.

The hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the town offices, 45 Comeau Drive.

Town Supervisor Bill McKenna said the ordinance is based on similar regulations in other communities.

“Six or seven months ago, I sent the [police] chief out to look at laws,” he said. “It’s really modeled after the village of Saugerties law . ... I want to give them a lot of credit.”

The proposed law states that the “making and creating of disturbing, excessive or offensive noises in the town is a condition which has persisted, and the level and frequency of occurrences of such noises continues to increase.”

Prohibited under the proposed law would be:

• Making unnecessary noise from any source between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

• Noise that is continuous and exceeds 15 minutes from a dog or other pet.

• Excessive or unreasonable noise from live music or a sound reproduction system, such as a radio or portable music device, that amplifies sound in a manner that can be heard over any property line.

• Construction, demolition, excavation or alternation of a building between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., except in emergencies and matters of public safety.

• Use of power equipment outdoors in residential zones between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekends.

• Sounding a horn or signaling device on a motor vehicle for an unnecessary or unreasonable period of time.

• Operating a motor vehicle in a way that creates a noise or disturbance, such as excessive squealing or other noise from tires.

Penalties would be $250 for each offense and would allow the town to seek court approval to take steps to prevent additional violations.