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Step 1 of 3Bar Harbor, ME
Noise Ordinance Overview
You’ve located the ordinance. Now, compare your situation against the legal thresholds to build your case.
Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The Town of Bar Harbor's ordinance does not specify general decibel limits for residential or commercial areas in the provided information. State-level DEP regulations for specific developments exist (e.g., 55 dBA daytime, 45 dBA nighttime at protected locations), but are not the town's general limits."
AI Executive Summary
Bar Harbor, ME's noise ordinance, Chapter 139 of the Town Code, prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the comfort or repose of others. Quiet hours are specifically designated from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily. Special permits may allow construction during these hours under certain conditions.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction and demolition activities are generally restricted during quiet hours (9:00 PM to 7:00 AM). Permits may be issued for work during these hours if public health and safety are not impaired, or in cases of urgent necessity, such as work below the high tide mark.
Amplified Sound
Making, continuing, or causing any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise, including amplified sound, which annoys or disturbs others is prohibited. Establishments with special amusement permits for live music face penalties for verified noise violations.
Animals
The keeping of any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise without provocation, disturbing the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity, is prohibited.
Vehicles
Operation of any noise-creating blower, compressor, power fan, engine, motor boat, motor vehicle, or other machine is prohibited unless equipped with a muffler device sufficient to reduce noise so it does not unreasonably annoy or disturb a reasonable person's sensibilities. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM is also prohibited.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Bar Harbor protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Bar Harbor, ME?
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Bar Harbor's quiet hours: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
How do I file a noise complaint in Bar Harbor?
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Call the Bar Harbor police non-emergency line at (207) 288-3391. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (207) 288-3329. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Bar Harbor?
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Bar Harbor's noise violation penalties: Violations can result in warnings and notices. Establishments may face court action and risk losing permits for repeat offenses. Specific fine amounts are not detailed in the provided information.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Bar Harbor?
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Bar Harbor's rules: The keeping of any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise without provocation, disturbing the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity, is prohibited.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (207) 288-3391 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Bar Harbor?
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Bar Harbor's construction noise rules: Construction and demolition activities are generally restricted during quiet hours (9:00 PM to 7:00 AM). Permits may be issued for work during these hours if public health and safety are not impaired, or in cases of urgent necessity, such as work below the high tide mark.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Bar Harbor?
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Yes. Bar Harbor's ordinance: Making, continuing, or causing any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise, including amplified sound, which annoys or disturbs others is prohibited. Establishments with special amusement permits for live music face penalties for verified noise violations.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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