Cumming Reminds Residents Of New Noise Ordinance

CUMMING, GA — The City of Cumming wants to remind residents of a new noise ordinance the city council approved in January.

"There's been several questions from residents," said Crystal Ledford, public information assistant.

The ordinance covers mechanical sound-making devices, human-produced sounds, commercial advertising, and party noises. These noises are strictly limited between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12 a.m. (midnight) through 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Noises from landscape maintenance motorized devices such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers and chain saws, are prohibited between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. seven days a week.

(For more news like this, sign up for Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Cumming — or other neighborhoods. Access Patch on the go with our iPhone app or our brand new app for Android phone users.)

Construction noises are prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. seven days a week. However, a variance for construction noise may be requested, in writing, at least 48 hours prior to the proposed construction operation, for consideration by the Director of Planning & Zoning.

Exceptions to the ordinance include:

• Sounds caused by manufacturing, governmental or commercial entities in the normal course of their business.
• Noises from any official University of North Georgia event on UNG property or any Forsyth County School District property.
• Noises created by special events sanctioned by the City of Cumming (such as the July 4th Steam Engine Parade and events at the Cumming Fairgrounds).
• Volumes of radio or other sound-making device or instrument within a motor vehicle on a street or highway.
• Sounds made by law enforcement or other public safety personnel in performance of their duties.

The Cumming Police Department will handle all noise ordinance complaints.

Click here to read the ordinance in its entirety.

Photo courtesy City of Cumming