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Bexley updates noise code, council clarifies special permits for contractors
Summary
Council adopted 2nd amended Ordinance 32‑25 updating the city’s noise code, clarifying prohibited hours and enabling joint enforcement by police and code enforcement; administration said special permits (for roofing/weather delays) remain available following contractor requests.
Bexley City Council adopted a substantially updated noise ordinance (2nd amended Ordinance 32‑25) during the June 23 meeting after a prolonged council discussion and public comment from a local contractor.
Zoning Chair Silverman and staff framed the ordinance as an effort to modernize outdated language, set clear prohibited hours and enable joint enforcement between the police department and code enforcement. Discussion centered on definitions (for example, what constitutes a commercial contractor), questions about juvenile or informal small‑scale work, and whether common residential activities would be captured. Council members praised the outreach and drafting process that led to the revised language.
A roofer who addressed council during public comment asked the city to consider flexibility around the 6:00 p.m. cutoff for permitted work, describing situations where a crew must finish a job after that time. Administration and the mayoral office responded that the ordinance preserves the ability to issue special permits for public‑safety or weather‑driven needs: staff said the city grants such permissions routinely when contractors call ahead and that the revised language clarifies that exceptions can be made in the interest of public health and safety or to protect property.
After discussion and a motion to adopt the 2nd amended ordinance, council voted by roll call to approve the update. The ordinance extends enforcement authority, clarifies hours and adds an explicit exceptions process for time‑sensitive work such as roofing, while keeping homeowner and small‑scale provisions distinct from commercial contractor rules.
Councilmembers and administration emphasized the ordinance balances community expectations for quiet with practical needs of contractors; staff said they will continue outreach and provide guidance to residents and tradespeople on permit procedures.
