HUBBARD TWP. Trustees study efforts to fight noise problem

Sound reduction will take some time to achieve, a trustee says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- With Hubbard Township becoming increasingly urban, trustees are looking to reduce the noise pollution that comes with growth.
Trustee Fred Hanley said the concern came to trustees' attention not only because of increased police complaints, but from the answers to a community survey.
The survey also showed that residents are bothered by gunfire, loud vehicle sound systems and altered mufflers.
Resolving the problems, Hanley said, is a long-range effort because they have existed for some time.
The trustees have asked the Trumbull County prosecutor's office to write an enforceable resolution on noise.
Trustee Jon Dowell is seeking information from other communities, including Painesville Township, which Hanley said has comprehensive noise control regulations.
"We have to be very specific as to what is a nuisance," Hanley said.
Hanley said he believes noise shouldn't be heard within 100 feet of its source.
Example
For example, a resident who has a band playing in his back yard in a residential area would be a nuisance, but a band playing in the middle of a 40-acre field wouldn't be a problem.
Although trustees can't regulate gun control, they can regulate gunshot noise as a nuisance and limit target practice to specific hours.
The Painesville resolution covers all types of noise.
It prohibits the use of construction tools and loudspeakers from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. It prohibits motor vehicles from causing excessive noise levels, mechanically or through sound systems.
Sound-making devices in vehicles are not permitted to be heard from more than 100 feet in Painesville.
There are exceptions that require a special variance or permit, which can be obtained from trustees.
The resolution doesn't apply to emergency vehicles, school-related or public programs, such as parades, or agricultural activities.
Those who violate the Painesville resolution can be found guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
Hanley said communities are getting away from using sound-measuring devices to determine loudness.
What is intrusive is being based on "reasonable person" judgment. A police officer would have the discretion to determine what is intrusive.
yovich@vindy.com