Copyright berkshireeagle
EGREMONT — After hearing how the growing level of noise has impacted residents' mental and emotional health over the last few years, the town voted to approve a noise bylaw that sets decibel limits, defines quiet hours and establishes an enforcement policy. The bylaw limits noise to 10 decibels over the surrounding sound levels, which is typically at 50 to 60 decibels, with lower target limits at night between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Noises coming from emergency vehicles, farm work, snow plowing and town maintenance are exempt from the bylaw. After receiving a noise complaint, the Egremont Police Department will use a sound meter to test the ambient sound, meaning the natural sound in the area, and then another test for the sound that is the source of the complaint. “If it is over the described descriptions in the bylaw, then the person making the noise will be ordered to cease and could face fines if it isn’t stopped,” Board of Health Director Juliette Haas said. If the noise isn't stopped, police can issue a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for the second, $300 for the third and $500 for all offenses after that. The bylaw came together after several months of the Board of Health and the Select Board working together on a proposal, said Haas. “At first, it was very long, and through the months, we sort of edited it down to a shorter version that we feel addresses the issue and alleviates the problems,” Haas said. It underwent edits to make it straightforward and simple based on feedback from residents. The bylaw was approved during a special town meeting, 43 to 17. When are quiet hours? Quiet hours are mostly 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, there are exceptions for certain activity types: Dogs that bark louder than 10 decibels above the surrounding sound can't be left outside after 10 p.m.Music at an outdoor special event, including weddings, graduations and parties, is also allowed until 11 p.m., unless there is prior approval in a permit or license. Restaurants, including noise from parking lots and from throwing trash in dumpsters, have until 11 p.m. as well.Short-term rental properties have quiet hours from 9:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Construction noise is allowed above 10 decibels, on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Entertainment venues and nightclubs can have noise up to 85 decibels until 11 p.m.Dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles on private property, along with firearms, can't exceed 10 decibels for longer than one hour a day.
