West Bloomfield looks to clarify noise ordinance

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted at its Monday, Aug. 15 meeting to approve the introduction of an amendment to the township’s noise ordinance.

The amendment was put together by Senior Planner Sara Roediger, along with Township Attorney Gary Dovre and the West Bloomfield Police Department.

The amendment would apply to Sec. 15-141, which is listed as “Disturbing the peace and noise regulations” in the township ordinance book.

Under the ordinance amendment, sounds coming from a parcel of land or an individual unit in a multi-unit building shall not exceed 85 decibels between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 75 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The new ordinance would clarify that activities such as construction noises, removal of garbage and/or solid waste and unloading of materials could exceed the decibel limits provided that the projects comply with restrictions, limitations and conditions set forth by the township.

In the current ordinance, those activities are listed as examples of disturbing the peace.

Other activities or noises listed in the amendment that would be permitted — with conditions — include lawn services and home occupant lawn care, as well as emergency work such as snow removal by area agencies.

Warning devices, such as tornado sirens and police and ambulance sirens would be allowed, along with bells and chimes from places of worship, which are new additions to the ordinance.

Generators, appliances and equipment and human conversation are also listed as permitted activities if they comply with the decibel limit.

Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said the amendment is meant to clear up the noise ordinance much like an amendment to the township’s zoning ordinance regarding restaurant types, which was also adopted at the Aug. 15 township board meeting.