Noise Ordinance Implemented in Peachtree City
Peachtree City announced a new noise ordinance. Image by Zara Morgan
May 5, 2022
On April 7, City Council implemented Peachtree City’s first ever noise ordinance. Sounds such as excessive dog barking or loud stereos that last for longer than 10 minutes may result in a ticket. From now on, police officers will be armed with sound meters that will be used for 10 minutes at a property line in order to determine whether a ticket is warranted or not. In order to warrant a ticket, the noise must surpass the limit for over 10% of the 10 minute time limit. Decibels will be recorded from the receiving property line. The usage of tickets will be based upon what is reasonable for the time of day, level of noise and longevity of the noise.
“The Ordinance includes what we consider to be reasonable times and reasonable decibels at reasonable distances,” Peachtree City Mayor, Kim Learnard said in a council meeting. “We hope for public input in the coming weeks as both council and staff work to make sure we have something that is beneficial, serves the intended purpose, and is enforceable.”
The main motivation behind the new ordinance is loud music blasting from golf carts, which has been described as harmful for hearing. Any noise above 55 decibels made over long periods of time during the night may result in a ticket. During the day, which is defined as 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends, the limit is 60 decibels.
“At a single family home, a public park, or a noise sensitive location, such as a hospital, the maximum decibel level was 60 dB in the daytime and 55 dB at night,” reads the section of the Council Packet from April 7 regarding the ordinance.
“Peachtree City would like to add tools to our toolbox as we strive to keep our paths and our communities safe and enjoyable,” Learnard said.
https://fayette-news.net/new-proposed-peachtree-city-noise-ordinance-would-restrict-loud-music-and-noises-council-members-discuss-further-modifications/?fr=operanews
http://vault.peachtree-city.org/WebLink7/DocView.aspx?id=101196&dbid=0&repo=PTC&cr=1
