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Stockton adopts stricter noise rules and advances tree-removal amendment on first reading
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 24-08 updating the borough’s noise regulations and approved Ordinance 24-10 on first reading to amend tree-removal exemptions, including a new agricultural exemption; the tree ordinance will return for a future public hearing.
Stockton Borough Council on Aug. 19 adopted a revised noise ordinance intended to regulate loud, continuous and disturbing noise, and advanced an amendment to the borough’s tree removal and replacement rules to first reading.
During second reading and a public hearing, the council adopted Ordinance 24-08, which updates Ordinance 11-04 to enumerate prohibited noises and establishes permit, enforcement and penalty provisions. Mayor Aaron Lipsen responded to a public question about enforcement, saying enforcement would involve the New Jersey State Police and the zoning officer. The ordinance sets hours and criteria for prima facie violations and authorizes fines and other penalties for violations.
On first reading the council approved Ordinance 24-10, which amends the Tree Removal-Replacement Ordinance (#24-02) to expand exemptions in Section IV, adding an exemption for trees removed in furtherance of clearing farmland devoted to agricultural or horticultural use among other clarifications. The measure passed first reading by council motion and will return for a later hearing and adoption vote.
Both measures follow the council’s standard public-process steps: first-reading approval for the tree ordinance and a final adoption on the noise ordinance after a public hearing. The council recorded unanimous favorable roll calls on both items at the votes shown in the minutes.
