Windsor council reviews draft noise ordinance with decibel limits; schedules public hearing

Windsor staff presented a proposed overhaul of the town’s noise ordinance at the May 12 council meeting, recommending defined decibel limits by daytime and nighttime hours, standardized measurement procedures and a 30‑day warning period before progressive penalties apply.

Maxine Brown, who led the review, said the current ordinance is subjective and several localities use maximum decibel thresholds tied to the time of day. Brown summarized proposed changes that add definitions (amplified sound, decibel, daytime/nighttime), set maximum decibel levels for daytime versus nighttime, specify how readings are taken — “at the complaining party’s property” using an A‑weighted, fast‑response sound level meter — and create a 30‑day warning period followed by escalating fines for repeat violations.

Chief Riddle told council the department already owns a decibel meter and that sound readings taken in early April ranged from 49 to 69 decibels across sampled locations, including near Redd’s and the North Court Street corridor. “We own a meter already,” the chief said when asked about equipment.

Council members raised practical concerns about ambient noises — trains, passing trucks, car‑wash speakers — and asked staff to collect additional readings and provide time‑stamped reports. Councilman Walter Bernacki suggested publishing sample readings taken at different times to clarify what constitutes a violation. Councilman David Adams recommended treating lawn‑care equipment as permissible only during daytime hours; staff agreed that construction or industrial exemptions would remain and that agricultural and industrial operations would be exempt in their zones.

Staff recommended, and council concurred, to advertise a public hearing in June so the ordinance can receive public comment and final revisions. Town Manager William Saunders said some penalty definitions may be adjusted before adoption: under the draft, the first offense in the 30‑day warning period would trigger a $250 civil fine; a third or subsequent violation could be a Class 2 misdemeanor, which Chief Riddle noted carries a maximum fine of $1,500 and up to six months in jail.

Why it matters: the proposed rules aim to replace subjective enforcement with measurable standards and a warning period intended to give residents notice before escalating penalties. Council asked staff to return with additional ambient noise data, clearer time windows for equipment such as mowers and generators, and sample measurement protocols ahead of the public hearing.

Next steps: staff will collect additional decibel readings, clarify exemptions and advertise a public hearing for the June council meeting.