NOISE CONTROL AND QUIET ENJOYMENT ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The Town of Paleto Bay recognizes the importance of preserving the peaceful character of the community while allowing for normal residential, commercial, agricultural, and recreational activities. This ordinance is intended to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating excessive and unnecessary noise. 

Section 2. General Prohibition 

No person shall make, cause, permit, or allow any noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort, or quiet enjoyment of another person or neighboring property.

The determination of whether noise is unreasonable shall consider:

• Volume and intensity;

• Duration and repetition;

• Time of day;

• Nature of the surrounding area;

• Whether the noise serves a legitimate public purpose.

Section 3. Quiet Hours 

Quiet Hours shall be observed:

• Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM

During Quiet Hours, any noise plainly audible from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the source or across a property line that disturbs a reasonable person is prohibited.

Section 4. Prohibited Activities 

Unless specifically exempted, the following are prohibited when they create unreasonable disturbance:

1. Loud music or amplified sound from homes, businesses, or vehicles.

2. Parties or gatherings that generate excessive noise.

3. Engine revving, burnouts, or unnecessary acceleration.

4. Use of loudspeakers, public address systems, or sound amplification without authorization.

5. Operation of construction equipment outside permitted hours.

6. Continuous barking or other animal noises caused by negligent control.

7. Excessive use of horns except as reasonably necessary for public safety.

8. Operation of generators, compressors, or machinery in residential areas during Quiet Hours when avoidable.

9. Vehicle sound systems audible more than fifty (50) feet from the vehicle.

10. Intentional creation of loud exhaust noise through modified or defective mufflers.

Section 5. Construction Activities 

Construction, demolition, landscaping, and similar activities may occur only between:

• 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday

• 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM Sundays and holidays

Emergency repairs necessary to protect life or property are exempt.

Section 6. Agricultural Exemption 

Recognizing the rural nature of Paleto Bay, normal agricultural operations, including tractors, harvest equipment, irrigation pumps, livestock activities, and related machinery, are exempt when operated in accordance with accepted farming practices. 

Section 7. Community Events 

Town-approved festivals, parades, concerts, civic celebrations, emergency response activities, and permitted public events are exempt from this ordinance during the hours authorized by the issued permit. 

Section 8. Emergency Exemptions 

This ordinance shall not apply to:

• Police, fire, EMS, or emergency warning devices;

• Emergency utility repairs;

• Disaster response operations;

• Government-authorized emergency activities.

Section 9. Special Permits 

The Mayor or designated Town Administrator may issue temporary noise permits for special events, construction projects, film productions, or community activities when the public benefit outweighs the temporary disturbance.

Conditions may include time restrictions, notification requirements, and maximum duration.