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Commission flags noise‑rule options and agricultural exemptions in performance standards review
Summary
As part of Article 5 review, commissioners discussed Section 550 performance standards, including possible noise limits (DRB‑set decibel thresholds, sample wording from Reading) and agricultural exemptions (Vermont law guidance on when a property qualifies as a farm).
During discussion of Section 550, commissioners and MARC staff explored whether noise regulation belongs in zoning or as a separate ordinance. Martha Harrison said she worked with Reading on time‑of‑day language and would share sample wording; commissioners raised practical examples such as early‑morning chainsaw use and evening sports fields. Discussion included that the DRB might set a 60‑decibel level for certain contexts, while enforcement questions pointed to police or nuisance ordinances rather than zoning enforcement.
The board also addressed agricultural exemptions: Harrison cited Vermont law guidance that the number of horses can be a factor in qualifying as a "farm" (for example, one horse may not constitute a farm, while three to four horses might). Commissioners noted that buyers should be aware when purchasing next to agricultural uses; Richard Owen offered to provide an example ordinance from his town.
