The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Burlington, VT
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The ordinance defines unreasonable noise based on factors like time, place, and nature, and if it's plainly audible between apartments or houses during quiet hours, rather than specific decibel limits."
AI Executive Summary
Burlington, VT's noise ordinance prohibits unreasonable noise 24 hours a day, particularly emphasizing special "quiet hours" from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Noise is deemed unreasonable if it's excessively loud given the time, place, and nature, or plainly audible between residences during quiet hours. Violations, including those for parties and construction, carry escalating fines starting at $200.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Machinery, power equipment, and construction noise are prohibited between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM, with exemptions for approved emergency repair, utility work, snow removal equipment, and authorized municipal or educational institution events.
Amplified Sound
Operating sound amplification equipment from a motor vehicle that is audible at 25 feet is unlawful. Radios, TVs, musical instruments, and similar devices cannot be played in an unreasonably loud manner, especially if plainly audible through walls between units, from another property, or from the street between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Animals
It is unlawful to permit an animal, such as a dog or cat, to bark, whine, howl, cry, or make other noises in an excessive and continuous fashion that disturbs the peace and quiet of any other person.
Vehicles
Prohibits the operation of sound amplification equipment from a motor vehicle audible at 25 feet. Also, bans creating squealing tires, loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, exploding-type, rattling, or other noises from automobiles or motorcycles, and sounding horns except as a danger warning. Discharging exhaust without an effective muffler is also prohibited.
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