You crack open the window, eager to savor the crisp autumn air. But instead of peaceful tranquility, a cacophony of noise explodes. Maybe it’s your neighbor battling a monstrous leaf pile with a roaring leaf blower, or a lawnmower symphony echoing across the street. Suddenly, your weekend oasis transforms into a warzone of gasoline-powered racket.
This, my friend, is the reality of noise pollution from yard equipment. It disrupts our peace, stresses us out, and can even damage our hearing. But there’s a quieter, greener solution on the horizon – electric alternatives!
Until then, let’s take a look at the city code:
Sec. 93.020. – Specific noise disturbances
(c) Domestic power equipment. It shall be unlawful to operate, or to permit the operation of, any domestic power equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day.
Domestic power equipment means power tools or equipment, including, but not limited to, power hand tools, lawn mowers, power blowers, garden equipment and snow removal equipment, used for home or building repair, maintenance, landscaping, alteration or home manual arts projects.
When replacing old equipment, it is a good time to look at modern electric devices. Beside being less noisy, these also don’t create air pollution, which might affect you, the operator, negatively.
If your neighbor insists on using loud equipment after 10pm or before 7am, you could first talk to them. If that doesn’t work out, then consider making a report to the City of Salem’s Police Department or involve Neighbour-To-Neighbour as a mediator.
Gasoline powered yard tools have some of the least efficient engines. The resulting noise, air pollution and gas consumption rivals much heavier cars. The Quiet Clean Salem initiative knows why the movement is gaining traction in many states.