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Burton adopts updated noise ordinance setting numeric decibel thresholds
Summary
Ordinance 20260113B repeals Burton's 1999 noise code, adds numeric decibel standards (including an 85 dBA threshold for continuous noise in some circumstances), sets fines up to $250, and establishes variance and hearing procedures.
The Burton City Council on Jan. 13, 2026, approved Ordinance 20260113B, replacing the town's 1999 noise ordinance with an updated code that adds objective noise-measurement standards, enforcement authorities, defenses and a variance process. The ordinance specifies daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and nighttime (10:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.) hours, defines unreasonable noise (including an 85 dBA benchmark for continuous noise for 60 seconds in specified circumstances), and provides a penalty range of $1 to $250 per offense.
Councilmember Paul McLaughlin moved to approve the ordinance with requested edits and Councilmember Macey Tidwell seconded; the motion passed as recorded. The minutes note attendees recommended that decibel measurements be taken at the property line when readings are taken; the ordinance text includes meter-based criteria and a process to request variances at least 10 days before an event. Enforcement authority was assigned to the mayor, city secretary or law-enforcement officer or their designee, and the ordinance becomes effective immediately upon passage and publication.
