[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the
Town of Woodstock 4-24-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
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.
These noise levels are a detriment to the public health, comfort,
convenience, safety, and welfare of the citizens. Every person is
entitled to an environment in which disturbing, excessive, or offensive
noise is not detrimental to his or her life, health, or enjoyment
of property. This chapter is to be construed liberally, but it is
not intended to be construed so as to discourage the enjoyment by
residents of normal, reasonable and usual activities.
A.
No person, with the intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance
or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, shall cause, suffer,
allow or permit to be made unreasonable noise. For purposes of this
chapter, unreasonable noise is any disturbing, excessive, or offensive
sound that disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
B.
The following acts are declared to be prima facie evidence of a violation
of this chapter. This enumeration shall not be deemed exclusive.
(1)
Any unnecessary noise from any source between the hours of 11:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day.
(2)
Noise from a dog or other pet animal that is continuous and exceeds
15 minutes.
(3)
Noise from a burglar alarm or other alarm system of any building
or vehicle which is continuous and exceeds 15 minutes.
(4)
Excessive or unreasonable level of noise from any live music or sound
reproduction system, operating or playing any radio, portable radio
or tape player, television, tape deck or similar device that reproduces
or amplifies sound in such a manner as to be heard over any property
line.
(5)
The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration or repair
of any building other than between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except
in case of a public safety emergency.
(6)
The operation of power equipment in residential zones outdoors between
the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, and on weekends
between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(7)
The sounding of any horn or signaling device of an automobile, motorcycle
or other vehicle for any unnecessary or unreasonable period of time.
(8)
The making of improper noise or disturbance or operating an automobile
or motorcycle in such a manner as to cause excessive squealing or
other excessive noise of the tires.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following
acts:
A.
The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the
existence of an emergency;
B.
Noise from municipally sponsored celebrations or events;
C.
Noise from individually sponsored events where a permit for public
assembly or other relevant permission has been obtained from the Town;
D.
The operation or use of any organ, radio, bell, chimes or other instrument,
apparatus, or device by any church, synagogue, or school licensed
or chartered by the State of New York, provided such operation or
use does not occur between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.;
E.
Noise generated by the installation and maintenance of utilities.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall
be guilty of a violation and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed
$250 for each offense. The Town may also seek injunctive relief to
prevent the continued violation of this chapter.
