I hope the conversation about a noise ordinance continues. There is currently no mechanism to enforce common courtesy among residents of the rural areas of the county. My personal experience involves a part-time neighbor who comes to his Boonville residence on occasional weekends and plays electronic dance music so loudly that if feels as though my walls are being hit by an insistent hammer. I live approximately 750 feet from this neighbor, according to Google Maps. The bass thudding overpowers music or TV that I play in my home. The music typically begins at about 11pm and ends at about 4am, although there are also occasional week-end long parties with parking that overflows into Faulkner Park (which the property neighbors), that can be clearly heard throughout the park. I've lost precious productive time on weekends to interrupted sleep. MCSO has politely explained to me several times that there is nothing they can do. I like a good party and dance music as much as the next person, but the regularity of this disruption of peace in my home makes it difficult to be sympathetic.
An enforceable noise ordinance would provide a basis for resolving situations like this. In a residential area, as sparsely populated as it might be, a noise ordinance is entirely appropriate.
I respectfully suggest that the proposed noise ordinance is just another unenforceable paper tiger. When I was building official of Healdsburg, we had a noise ordinance. It was VERY difficult to enforce as most noise complaints were for noise after working hours. Most noise ordinances have a maximum decibel limit at the receptor location (property line or adjacent business or residence). Staff will need to be trained on how to use a decibel meter and how to determine if the noise is constant, intermittent, etc. A complainant (reporting party) wanting to remain anonymous, will further complicate an investigation as the alleged violation must be verified at the receptor (complainant) site which could compromise anonymity. As you know county Code Enforcement staff generally work an 8 - 5 schedule. To effectively enforce Supervisor McGourty's proposed noise ordinance, code enforcement staff will have to be on call to work overtime when there is a noise complaint after hours or the Sherrif will need to be trained on how to use a decibel meter and be the lead agency to enforce the noise ordinance for after hours. In my professional opinion the proposed noise ordinance is poorly thought out and will, for the most part be ineffective.
I hope the conversation about a noise ordinance continues. There is currently no mechanism to enforce common courtesy among residents of the rural areas of the county. My personal experience involves a part-time neighbor who comes to his Boonville residence on occasional weekends and plays electronic dance music so loudly that if feels as though my walls are being hit by an insistent hammer. I live approximately 750 feet from this neighbor, according to Google Maps. The bass thudding overpowers music or TV that I play in my home. The music typically begins at about 11pm and ends at about 4am, although there are also occasional week-end long parties with parking that overflows into Faulkner Park (which the property neighbors), that can be clearly heard throughout the park. I've lost precious productive time on weekends to interrupted sleep. MCSO has politely explained to me several times that there is nothing they can do. I like a good party and dance music as much as the next person, but the regularity of this disruption of peace in my home makes it difficult to be sympathetic.
An enforceable noise ordinance would provide a basis for resolving situations like this. In a residential area, as sparsely populated as it might be, a noise ordinance is entirely appropriate.
Thank you.
Dear Board of Supervisors,
I respectfully suggest that the proposed noise ordinance is just another unenforceable paper tiger. When I was building official of Healdsburg, we had a noise ordinance. It was VERY difficult to enforce as most noise complaints were for noise after working hours. Most noise ordinances have a maximum decibel limit at the receptor location (property line or adjacent business or residence). Staff will need to be trained on how to use a decibel meter and how to determine if the noise is constant, intermittent, etc. A complainant (reporting party) wanting to remain anonymous, will further complicate an investigation as the alleged violation must be verified at the receptor (complainant) site which could compromise anonymity. As you know county Code Enforcement staff generally work an 8 - 5 schedule. To effectively enforce Supervisor McGourty's proposed noise ordinance, code enforcement staff will have to be on call to work overtime when there is a noise complaint after hours or the Sherrif will need to be trained on how to use a decibel meter and be the lead agency to enforce the noise ordinance for after hours. In my professional opinion the proposed noise ordinance is poorly thought out and will, for the most part be ineffective.
Sincerely,
Scott Ward
Redwood Valley