Noise and Staying on Good Terms with Your Neighbors This Summer

During the Summer months, our enjoyment of the outdoors can often lead to higher levels of noise that can become a nuisance for our neighbors. Whether that is the sound of: vehicles, parties, music, pets, shouting, etc. noise can become an anti-social annoyance to your neighbors. While we do not want to stop you from enjoying your yard and the wonderful open spaces that we have here in East Hills, it is important to be conscious of the level of noise that you are creating and the impact that it may be having upon your neighbors.

If you have a neighbor who is creating a noise that is disturbing your peace, then the first course of action is always to make an informal approach to them, because they may not be aware of the impact that their activities are having on you and other neighbors. That first informal step may help them to understand the effects of the noise they are making and may help you cement good neighborly relations in the future.

If, however, you have approached your neighbor before, but this has had no effect upon their behavior, then the next step is to alert the Town of Colonie police, because the issue of noise falls under their jurisdiction. The precise wording in the Town of Colonie Ordinances states that:

"No person shall cause or permit to be caused any noise which, when measured by a sound level meter at the real property line of the parcel of residential or commercial property, public space or the dwelling unit (within a multi-dwelling-unit building) from which it is emanating, is in excess of 65 dBA between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday or between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday."

It should be stressed, however, that involving the police should be considered a last resort, if other more informal and neighborly approaches have failed to address the behavior. If you require any further information or guidance regarding the enforcement of the ordinances relating to noise control, please contact the Town of Colonie Police Department here: https://www.colonie.org/departments/police/

From all of the board of the East Hills Homeowners Association, we hope that you enjoy the Summer.

For all the latest news and information, don't forget to join the East Hills Home Owners Association Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EHHOA/

Will Trevor

easthillsblogmaster@gmail.com