Russellville, AR

http://www.couriernews.com/story.asp?ID=10305

Thursday, December 22, 2005

City OKs new noise ordinance

By Sean Ingram
newseditor@couriernews.com
The Russellville City Council made it official this past Thursday night: Be vewy, vewy quiet, as Elmer Fudd used to say when he was hunting Bugs Bunny — or it could cost you. Alderman Phil Carruth was the only council member to vote against the city’s new noise ordinance, sponsored by Alderman Robert Wiley. The new law goes into effect Jan. 15.

Wiley noted after Alderman Ronnie Tripp mentioned a heavy trucks ordinance had not been enforced, “I want this to have some teeth and make sure it is enforced.”
Wiley previously said he had been told by residents something needed to be done about vehicles with exceptionally loud stereo systems or other mechanical devices.

The ordinance prohibits “the creating of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life, health, safety, welfare, comfort or convenience of any individual, or in disturbance of the public peace, health, safety and welfare.”

Persons who violate the ordinance can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and are subject to fines of no less than $250 or no more than $500, according to the ordinance. If such violations continue, each day’s violation will be considered a separate incident by the appropriate court.

The Russellville Police Department and Code Enforcement Office have the power to enforce the ordinance and can issue citations. The city’s noise law declares the following acts as “loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises unlawful”: 

The ordinance does not apply to: