Highlands adopts decibel-based noise ordinance after residents press for measurement, enforcement changes

The Borough of Highlands Mayor and Council voted Sept. 3, 2025, to adopt O-25-9, an ordinance establishing decibel-based sound-level standards and authorizing the use of certified county decibel readers to enforce noise limits. The ordinance passed on its second and final reading following an extended public comment period during which residents urged changes to how and where sound is measured.

Residents including Dan Muro raised concerns that the model ordinance measures at the complainant’s property rather than at the noise source and cautioned that reliance on county staff could delay enforcement for live, ongoing disturbances. "I would recommend that you drastically shorten that time and expect that, hey, like if you're in violation that you are going to need corrective action very quickly," Muro said, urging a shorter grace period than the draft's allowance for up-to-180-day extensions for minor violations.

Town staff and the presenting official, identified in the transcript as Andy, said the draft follows a model 'D' ordinance and that the model specifies measurement distance, equipment calibration and certification. "This is a model D ordinance ... you have to be certified. You have to use calibrated equipment in order to measure the decibel levels and have them enforceable," Andy said, adding that the county has certified readers and personnel who would perform enforceable measurements.

Council members discussed whether to table the measure to attempt local changes that could still meet the model's requirements. Council members ultimately approved the ordinance and said the borough would explore options to strengthen enforcement, including seeking grants for equipment and training for the Highlands Police Department. One council member noted that existing nuisance provisions in the borough code remain enforceable even if the model ordinance were rejected.

The transcript records residents' objections to a possible 180-day grace period for minor violations and their preference for measurement at the sound source rather than at a complainant's property line. Staff replied that the grace period is discretionary and "does not have to be granted" and that enforcement officers may set shorter compliance deadlines in practice.

The council recorded a motion to adopt the ordinance and the motion carried; the transcript records council members voting in favor (those explicitly recorded saying "yes" include Council member Zant, Council member Chilac, Council President Oeski and the Mayor). The motion's formal passage in the meeting transcript is recorded as, "Motion carries. O-25-9 passed on its second and final reading."

What happens next: Council members said they would pursue ways to make the ordinance more effective for Highlands — including investigating grants to acquire measurement equipment and training for local officers — while beginning work under the model ordinance to provide an enforceable standard.

The board did not specify certain numeric details in the ordinance language as read in the transcript (for example, some financial figures and exact decibel thresholds were either not spoken clearly or not given in the recorded segments). The transcript shows the borough intends to coordinate with the county health department on certified enforcement.