Quiet Down: Morristown Looks To Change Noise-Violation Rules

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown is looking to change how it gets the town to quiet down. Town Council will introduce an ordinance at Thursday's meeting amending Morristown's noise violations.

Officials are looking to change Morristown's current noise ordinance and put it in line with the state's Noise Control Act. The law — authorized by the state Department of Environmental Protection — puts forth a "Model Noise Ordinance" that cities and towns can adopt.

The full ordinance begins on page 20 of the meeting agenda. Here are some key points:

• Residential or multi-use properties wouldn't be able to exceed 65 decibels (dB), when measured outdoors, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 50 dB in all other hours. Commercial and public service facilities wouldn't be allowed to surpass 65 dB, when measured outdoors, at any time.
• Landscaping or yardwork tools used by a property owner shall not be operated between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. unless it's emergency work. For nonresidential operators, prohibited hours include 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. weekdays and 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. weekends and federal holidays.
• Construction or demolition must take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekends.
• Burglar alarms must stop making noise after five minutes of continuous sound of 15 minutes of intermittent sound.
• Portable, non-vehicular music- or sound-production devices cannot be audible from 50 feet away when operated in a public space between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In all other hours, the restriction reduces to 25 feet.
• Violators of the noise ordinance are subject to fines of up to $2,000.

The public may send noise complaints here. If immediate assistance is needed, call police at 973-538-2200.

Meeting Information

The Town Council meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday or after the executive session ends. Here's info on accessing the virtual meeting.

Here are a few things you can also expect:

• The 2021 municipal budget is up for adoption. See a presentation from May 25.
• Another resolution up for adoption would award a bid to Ralph Checchio Inc. for improvements to the Harrison Street Playground. The work would reconstruct the asphalt area and install a color-coat sports surface. Also included are "extensive" drainage improvements, grading and fencing. One alternate plan also replaces the remaining perimeter fence around the park, while another adds landscape features to the park entrance to create a gateway. The base bid costs $204,000, while the total bid comes to $229,000.
• Morristown Rotary will hold a presentation on a proposed pavilion at Lidgerwood Park.

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