Debbie Beasley
Robbinsville – There is now a seven-page ordinance in place regarding noise violations within the town limits.
Aldermen Debbie Beasley and Kenneth Hyde passed the order at a special called meeting June 28. The ordinance is a response to a litany of complaints about late-night violations and includes a breakdown of prohibited noises, as well as the penalties an offense against the code will carry.
A large motivator for the law to be passed has been a nearly two-year dispute between adjacent properties in the Snidertown community, which has led to numerous calls regarding everything from prolonged dog barking and loud music being played late at night by one residence, to threats and obscene signs being placed in the public’s view by the other.
“Noise of such character, intensity and duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual is prohibited,” reads a portion of Section 1 of the ordinance.
Among the various stipulations of the ordinance is the restriction of:
* The sounding of horns while a vehicle is not in motion, unless it is used as a warning in the event an accident is about to occur;
* The use of sirens, unless the vehicle is used for emergency purposes (such as fire, police or rescue departments);
* Pianos, radios, loudspeakers or any sound amplifier, except for public performances approved in advance;
* Animals of any kind that cause “frequent or long continued noise;”
* Vehicles that either have been modified or are in a state of disrepair to the point of causing unnecessary noises;
* Any weekday construction between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., except for permitted repairs in the case of emergencies;
* Excessive noise on any street adjacent to a school or court while either are in session, or within 150 feet of a medical facility;
* Noises are created to interrupt a Sabbath service, provided that the religious center involved has signage on adjacent streets displaying that the same is a church street;
* Fireworks being discharged, unless a permit is approved in advance by the town.
The entire list can be read elsewhere in this edition, or requested for public review at town hall.
Under N.C. General Statute 153A-133, Section 12.31, penalties for those who violate the ordinance will be levied as a Class 3 misdemeanor. The first violation will result in a fine not to exceed $50; the second, $150; and the third, $500.