Characteristics of successful local noise enforcement programs

Abstract

A well crafted local noise ordinance, customized to the needs of the jurisdiction, enforced by motivated and well-trained officers, can resolve long-standing problems, and prevent new ones from arising. The ordinance must be simple enough for all parties to understand: enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, residents and importantly, the regulated community. Uncomplicated performance standards lead to reliably frequent enforcement, the deterrence from which engenders self-policing by source facilities, after initial unsuccessful court challenges to the new ordinance (e.g., St. Augustine, FL). New facilities will be designed for compliance with a well established ordinance (e.g., Denville, NJ). Innovative approaches, such as an interior C-scale standard, successfully curb amplified low-frequency rhythmic emissions from bars without the need for 1/1 or 1/3 octave band analysis (e.g., Anchorage, AK). A ‘‘plainly audible’’ standard for vehicular sound systems is effective, easily enforced (e.g., Lafayette, LA), court tested, and enhanced penalties such as towing can reduce complaints and recidivism to negligible levels (e.g., Rochester, NY). Objective, content-neutral standards successfully control amplified speech (e.g, Long Beach, NY) and street music (New York City). Local communities are increasingly developing noise enforcement programs, many of which are highly effective.