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Committee reviews proposal to set road-construction hours in Stoughton
Summary
Staff proposed amending section 50-5 to make weekday right-of-way work limited to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. with no Sunday work; members asked for a definition of "essential public services" and staff will return with an ordinance in July.
Staff presented draft language to amend section 50-5 to clarify permitted hours for construction activity within the public right-of-way and to codify the committee’s long-standing policy.
The proposed language states, in part, that "no person shall perform, cause, permit or allow any construction activity within the public right of way nor operate any construction equipment, machinery, or vehicles associated with such activity between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. No work shall be permitted within the public right of way on Sundays." The draft also includes an emergency exception for work necessary to "protect life, health, safety, property, or essential public services."
Committee members pressed staff to define "essential public services," noting telecom and utility work can be critical and that definitions should be explicit so the ordinance cannot be applied inconsistently. One member said the term could be vague and recommended staff provide a definition or propose specific exclusions. The staff presenter agreed to research definitions and return with a fully worded ordinance in July.
Members also flagged practical examples—such as snowplows and emergency utility repairs—when discussing exceptions. Staff said the draft seeks primarily to move the committee’s common practice into ordinance form so it is enforceable.
Next steps: staff will revise the language, propose a definition for "essential public services," put the item into resolution form and bring the full ordinance back to the committee in July for consideration.
