The following is an ‘Ask The Chief’ question submitted to TLS, and the Chief’s response. Email your questions for the Chief to [email protected].

Question:

I was wondering what the law is in regards to having a party outside. On average there is a party with live music once a week on my block. It can go on all hours of the night. I know past ten they cant have music going, but what about before that? If the party is going on next door, my house can literally vibrate.
Is there any law about making “noise”?

Thank you,

The Chief’s Response:

Here is the ordinance:

3-22 Noise

Noise Prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for a person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary, offensive or unusual noise or any noise which does or is likely to annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others. (Ord. NO. 2005-50 1)

3-22.2

Definition of Noise.

Without intending to limit the generality of subsection 3-22.1, the following acts are hereby declared to be examples of loud, disturbing, offensive and unnecessary noise in violation of this section:

a. Radios; Televisions; Phonographs; Computers; Compact Discs. The playing, or use or operation of any radio receiving set, television, musical instrument, phonograph, computer, compact disc, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants or with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for persons who are in the room, vehicle or chamber in which the machine or device is operated and who are voluntary listeners. The operation of such a set, instrument, phonograph, computer, compact disc, machine or device so that is clearly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

(Ord. No. 2005-50 2)

3-22.3

Penalties.

Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined for each offense not more than one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars nor more than thirty (30) days incarceration. Each violation shall be considered a separate offense.

(Ord. No. 2005-50 3)

3-22.4

Enforcement.

The provisions of this section shall be under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court of the Township of Lakewood to enforce, to include law enforcement officers and Township inspectors.

(Ord. No. 2005-50 4)

NOTE – Decibel levels, time of day do not exist with this Ordinance as they did with the Board of Health BH:16-1 thru BH:16-8.

A responding officer can use this ordinance and request a township inspector as well as cite a violation to the home owner for a violation.

Hope this helps.

Chief Meyer

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