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Debate over noise ordinance exposes split on measurable standard vs. 'disturbing or unnecessary' test
Summary
Residents and council members debated replacing a measurable, meter-based noise standard with a subjective 'disturbing or unnecessary' standard; supporters of objective metrics warned that removing numeric criteria could hamper enforcement against recurring commercial sources.
An extended debate over a proposed revision to Morristown's noise ordinance took place on June 11 as the council introduced Ordinance O-18-2024, which would amend the town's noise regulations.
Resident Stephen Armington opposed the proposed revision in public comment, arguing the draft removes scientific criteria and replaces them with a subjective "disturbing or unnecessary" standard that could be arbitrary and difficult to defend in court. "What is disturbing or unnecessary to a police officer may not be…
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