Construction noise from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. creates an unhealthy environment for residents nearby and diminishes their enjoyment of their property, which is a basic right. Construction noise is often far above the permitted decibel levels that other noise is measured by, generally exceeding current maximum limits.

According to the World Health Organization's Guidelines for Community Noise, noise is an increasing public health problem. Noise can have the following adverse health effects: hearing loss; sleep disturbances; cardiovascular and psychophysiologic problems; performance reduction; annoyance responses; and adverse social behavior.

We understand this is a complex issue and needs fine-tuning and details but we would like to get this conversation started. This is not to impeded the average homeowner from doing their home remodeling projects on weekends (generally, these folks are not using the types of heavy equipment that cause the worst noise).

However, we would like to explore the following considerations:

1) NOTIFYING neighbors within a certain radius of the construction what the schedule will be so they can prepare for jack-hammering at 8:00 a.m., for example.

2) LIMITING certain types of construction noise so the loudest types of work begin after 8 a.m. and hold sites to maintain decibel limits.

3) CONSIDERING location of construction so that areas with large numbers of older homes (such as Travis Heights) where the houses are not as sound-proofed as newer houses and where we live closer to our neighbors, thus making contruction noise much more of a problem.

According to the City Clerk's office, the current sound ordinance allows any decibel level of construction noise between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.  Concrete work may begin at 6 a.m. in the Central Business District (CBD) base zoning district at property located within 600 feet of a residence, church, hospital, hotel or motel. It does not specify outside the CBD.  You can view the Austin Noise Ordinance in a nutshell at www.austinnoise.org.

We have a detailed code for amplified sound, so it makes sense that our construction code be reconsidered, given the rising prevalence of infill building in older neighborhoods.

Reducing the hours nearby residents are subjected to this noise will help them to recoup losses to their incomes and health and help them regain some enjoyment of their property.

Thank you!