Manchester Council May Limit Construction Noise Hours

MANCHESTER, NJ — Construction and home renovation projects have been booming in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to people being stuck at home.

But the noise from those projects isn't welcomed by everyone. That's why the Manchester Township Council is set to consider approving an ordinance Monday night that will limit construction noise hours in the township.

The proposed ordinance adds another category of prohibited acts, with construction- and repair-related noise banned from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, and 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

The proposed ordinance, which was introduced at the July 13 meeting, would prohibit "Operation of any tools or equipment which shall make any loud or disturbing noise ... in conducting any excavation, demolition, erection, alteration, repair or any other building operation" except emergency work.

The council will be giving the ordinance a second reading and taking public comment. If approved, the ordinance would take effect in 20 days, by mid-August.

The council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Manchester Patch on Facebook.