Noise Ordinance Overhaul

At a glance

What: A council order to revisit and comprehensively revise the noise provisions of chapter 83 of the city code of ordinances.
Where it stands: Tabled again on November 9. Committee members said more information is needed, including how police-issued permits for noise-emitting devices are managed and how intermittent noise affects the downtown wards.
Next: Members were asked to read chapter 83 as homework; the section will be added to the next packet and the item returned to a future agenda.

The chair suggested inviting relevant department heads and residents from different neighborhoods and updating older provisions such as loudspeaker permits.
Councilors discussed decibel meters, whether the zoning officer and police have working ones, and seasonal issues such as leaf blowers.
Councilor Mimi Panitch cited public health evidence that noise is a serious health issue and asked for a comprehensive, long-lasting rewrite. Another councilor said the police chief should be included in further discussions.

Meeting video from the Holyoke Media YouTube channel and the city's posted agendas on https://www.holyoke.org/departments/public-meetings/.

Noise Ordinance Overhaul0