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Council adopts changes to city noise ordinance after public comment and staff review
Summary
The City Council approved amendments to Chapter 167 (Noise) updating prohibited noise references and sound-equipment rules; the ordinance passed after council discussion about distinguishing commercial construction noise from problematic amplified or vehicle noise.
The Laconia City Council on June 23 approved amendments to the city noise ordinance, updating Chapter 167 on restricted noises and sound-equipment rules.
The revised ordinance clarifies certain commercial activities such as excavation, demolition and landscaping and distinguishes them from the types of loud or amplified noise that residents complained about. Councilors said the change is intended to protect residents from disruptive vehicle and amplified‑sound incidents while not unduly restricting ordinary construction or homeowner activity.
Public comment at the meeting emphasized enforcement challenges: a resident and a former police officer cautioned that state vehicle inspection laws are a snapshot in time and that enforcement resources and legal tools need “teeth” to address recurring loud-vehicle noise. Police and staff noted that existing laws already permit vehicle stops for muffler or noise problems and that ordinance changes could be supplemented by enforcement practices.
Councilors passed a motion to adopt the ordinance amendments by roll call; the motion carried 5-0. City staff said police leadership will continue working with the council and staff to identify enforceable approaches to loud vehicles and vehicle-modification enforcement.
