Orange Village adopts new construction-hours ordinance after resident complaints about early-start noise

Orange Village Council voted to adopt ordinance 2026-22, which sets new rules for outdoor construction hours in the village and took effect immediately under an emergency clause. Council adopted the measure after public comments and a lengthy council debate on whether the weekday start should be moved from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Residents told council that early-morning loud machinery and dust from a nearby development have disrupted mornings and backyard use. "I greatly appreciate that," resident Anna Gecht said, adding that construction often started at 7 a.m., making outdoor meals and children’s routines difficult.

The law director and staff said the draft ordinance applies to contractor work that is audible from neighboring properties and that the mayor may grant temporary permits for unusual or emergency conditions. Several council members argued both for and against changing the morning start time: one council member who backed 8 a.m. said a 10-hour window was sufficient, while others warned that shortening allowable hours could extend project durations and raise costs.

Council put the amendment to move the start time to 8:00 a.m. to a vote; the amendment did not pass. After discussion about variances for roadwork and the mayor’s authority to grant temporary exceptions, the body voted to suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance as written. A roll-call vote recorded all present council members voting in favor of adoption.

The ordinance includes an emergency clause so the new hours take effect immediately; council members said they can revisit and amend the ordinance if residents or contractors raise concerns about its practical effects. The mayor and staff urged residents with detailed questions to follow up with department heads for technical clarifications.

The council then moved to other business and later recessed into executive session to discuss pending and prospective litigation.