Neighbor raises concerns that proposed noise ordinance changes could create broad exemptions

Pamela Swan, a resident of Skonset, told the Finance Committee on Feb. 3 that proposed revisions to the town’s noise ordinance (Article 68) risked creating unintended exemptions.

Swan said inserting the word "commercial" could be read to exempt homeowners from restrictions that currently apply more broadly and warned that adding language exempting "routine golf course maintenance" might be interpreted as a blanket permission allowing loud, early-morning mowing near residences. She described repeated early-morning mowing beginning at 04:45 a.m. that produced noise and fumes and said club staff had negotiated later start times for some activities but that the proposed language lacks clear guardrails.

Committee members acknowledged prior discussion at a Select Board meeting and agreed the wording needs clarification; the committee scheduled a fuller review of the article on Feb. 19 and encouraged neighbors to attend and provide specifics that could guide clearer drafting.