New Britain Borough Council devoted much of its September 10 meeting to hammering out details of a proposed noise ordinance, which would become the borough’s first comprehensive regulation on disruptive sounds.
Currently, the borough code only contains provisions related to animal noise.
Setting quiet hours
The draft ordinance initially restricted most noise after 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and after 6 p.m. on Sundays. Several council members argued those limits were too strict, particularly for residents who work into the evening.
Council member Robyne Keleman proposed a more standardized schedule: from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Sundays, giving residents more flexibility while still protecting weekend mornings. The council agreed to adopt those hours for the revised draft, with some dissent.
Heavy equipment and construction
The ordinance defines “heavy equipment” as machinery weighing more than 10,000 pounds. To preserve Sundays as a quiet day, the draft would prohibit the operation of such equipment on Sundays unless special approval is granted by council.
Officials noted that the restriction was designed to limit noise from backup alarms and engines in residential neighborhoods.
Animal and music noise
Another section addresses excessive sounds from both domestic and agricultural animals if noise carries beyond a property boundary. The clarification is intended to close loopholes that previously complicated enforcement involving farm animals such as chickens.
Language around music was also refined, removing references to “social gatherings” so that enforcement could apply even when loud music is played by an individual resident.
Emergency exemptions
Recognizing that some noise is unavoidable, the ordinance exempts emergency work such as utility repairs, roadwork, and the use of generators during power outages.
Enforcement questions
Council members and staff acknowledged enforcement would remain challenging. Noise complaints will rely heavily on neighbors reporting violations. The borough manager emphasized that education and communication will be essential, with lawn services and contractors to be notified about the restrictions during permit or project reviews.
The council directed Borough Manager John Wolff to redraft the ordinance with the revised quiet hours and other amendments. The updated version will be brought back at a future meeting for further review and possible adoption.
If passed, the ordinance would mark New Britain Borough’s first broad attempt to regulate construction, equipment, and everyday residential noise.
