Buckfield Select Board to solicit public input on noise concerns and special amusement permits; forum set for July 15 meeting

The Buckfield Select Board on June 25 agreed to invite community input and research options for a municipal noise ordinance after multiple residents raised concerns about loud events and nighttime disturbances.

Select Board members said complaints relate to several sources of noise, including repeated loud events at a local establishment that operates under a town-issued special amusement permit. Board members reviewed the current special amusement permit language, which allows limited outdoor events tied to specified dates and requires 72 hours’ notice to the town office. Staff noted the permit’s existing language confines live entertainment to within the building and that outdoor events listed on the permit expired in October 2024; the increase in outdoor events this summer prompted renewed concerns.

Town staff presented a draft noise ordinance for the board’s consideration and raised enforcement questions. The draft exempts events with a valid special amusement permit but sets daytime and nighttime thresholds and enumerates typical exemptions (construction, timber harvesting, emergency work). Select Board members discussed enforcement capacity and whether the town would need to fund third-party enforcement or rely on county resources.

The board agreed to set aside time at the Select Board meeting on July 15 to hear residents and to compile factual materials—examples of ordinances from other towns, measurement methods, and enforcement options—so the discussion can be informed. Town Manager Azalea Cormier said staff would gather information and publicize the session. No ordinance or permit change was adopted on June 25.