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Council approves summer exception to construction-noise ordinance after debate on enforcement and fairness
Summary
The council voted to adopt an amendment (O-26-13) allowing earlier construction start times in residential zones during June 1–Sept. 30 after members debated enforcement, temperature triggers and building-permit ties; motion carried with at least one recorded no vote (Barnhart).
Staff presented an amendment to the noise ordinance (O-26-13) that would allow construction noise to begin earlier in residential zones during the months of June 1 through Sept. 30. Council members debated fairness to contractors, the difficulty of enforcing temperature-based triggers and how to provide discretion for essential or permitted work. Legal counsel noted enforcement could specify the official source for a temperature trigger if the council chose that route.
One council member argued the change should be limited to weekdays; others warned that without clear enforcement standards citizens would still complain. After discussion, Arnold moved to approve O-26-13 and Barnhart seconded. The clerk recorded roll-call votes and the motion carried; Barnhart was recorded voting no. The council did not adopt a temperature-trigger provision at this meeting and left the option for future revision.
