Washington’s City Council is getting closer to an agreement on a new noise ordinance.
After questions and more discussion, the Council members came to a compromise of establishing a noise level of 70 decibels, which is the sound level of city traffic, for Washington’s residential and commercial districts.
A more lenient level of noise is allowed in industrial areas. The Council also agreed to set the measuring area at the property line. The council also added properly functioning air conditioners and air handlers to items exempt from the noise ordinance.
Among the almost twenty exempted “noise makers” are lawn mowers and power hand tools between sunrise and sunset, neighborhood parties before 10 p.m., church bells, sporting events, and special city approved activities.
City Attorney Tim Dant will incorporate the Council’s new proposal into the proposed ordinance which will be up for approval at the June 14 meeting.
