Municipal Noise Ordinance Reminder
Springtime in Scotch Plains brings the return of blossoming trees, tweeting birds and, of course, leaf blowers.
Township officials are reminding residents and professional landscapers of the municipal noise ordinance, ensuring that leaf blowers and other loud landscaping tools are only used during specific hours, as well as with mufflers or another sound reduction device.
Under the ordinance, homeowners and tenants are permitted to use power tools and yard maintenance equipment from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition, professional landscapers and other commercial entities are permitted to work from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends or federal holidays. The municipal ordinance also addresses construction and demolition, which can begin at 7 a.m. weekdays, through 6 p.m., as well as 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays.
“We recognize that landscaping work is a common necessity in our suburban community,” said Mayor Josh Losardo. “This ordinance is designed to strike the careful balance of giving our residents some quiet time in the morning and evening, while also ensuring that landscaping work can be completed with an ample amount of work time each day.”
If residents believe a neighbor or business entity may be violating the ordinance, they are urged to contact the police department dispatch at 908-322-7100, ext. 0 during the incident.
