Noise Complaints

Call 911
Call 911 to report fighting, screaming, gunshots, explosions, noise from a large party or crowd that is causing danger, or suspicious breaking of glass or wood.

How to Handle a Noise Complaint Involving the Police

Noise complaints often involve law enforcement, making it essential for individuals to understand the process and implications. These situations can range from minor disturbances to significant disruptions affecting quality of life. Understanding how to handle such complaints effectively is crucial for both complainants and those accused of generating noise. The below information explores key aspects of managing a noise complaint involving police intervention, providing insight into procedures and potential outcomes.

Noise ordinances are local laws designed to regulate sound levels within a community, balancing individual activities and public peace. Enforcement involves both subjective and objective assessments. Officers may rely on their judgment to determine if noise is unreasonable, while sound level meters provide precise measurements. Ordinances also consider factors such as the nature, duration, and impact of the noise. For instance, ongoing industrial noise may be treated differently than a single loud party.

Filing Complaints with Law Enforcement

If you’ve been experiencing chronic noise, it can help to speak directly with your neighbor, landlord, or a business to resolve an ongoing issue. If you have been unsuccessful in reaching out directly, you can report a violation of the Noise Ordinance by contacting the police department non-emergency line at (716)-676-5697. **Note-for an emergency, always call 911** Providing detailed information about the disturbance, such as its location, duration, and nature, helps officers assess the situation. Dispatchers prioritize complaints based on severity and frequency. Officers are sent to evaluate the situation.

Police Response & Investigation

When law enforcement responds to a noise complaint, their investigation determines the validity of the report and the appropriate course of action. This process includes assessing noise levels, issuing warnings or citations, and, in some cases, pursuing further legal action.

Noise Level Assessment

Officers assess whether the noise violates local ordinances using subjective judgment. Factors such as the time of day, duration, and source of the noise are considered. For example, a loud party during quiet hours is more likely to be a violation than similar noise during the day. These assessments inform the actions officers take next.

Village Noise Ordinance

What is the Village Noise Ordinance?

It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the limits of the Village. For full Village code click here.
To put it simply, noise should not be heard across the property line it is coming from between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday thru Thursday and 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Noise should also not be heard more than 50 ft beyond the property line it is coming from between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday and 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Most common examples of unreasonable noise include loud music, dogs barking, yelling, revving of vehicles, etc.

Penalties for Offenses:

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation and shall be punishable by a minimum fine not less than $50 and a maximum fine of $250 or imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both. Each day that such violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense punishable as such. This chapter shall be enforced by the Village of Franklinville Police Department.

Below are a few abbreviated explanations of prohibited noise. Please click here for the full law and restrictions.

The use of any sound-emitting device inside or outside of a structure whereby the sound emitted from such device is audible beyond the property line of the premises upon which it is being used, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday thru Thursday and 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
The use of any sound-emitting device inside or outside of a structure whereby the sound emitted from such device is audible at a distance of 50 feet beyond the property line of the premises upon which it is being used, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday and 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The use or operation, repair, rebuilding, modifying or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorboat, go-cart, minibike or all-terrain vehicle on property being used for residential purposes so as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
The outdoor use or operation of any powered tool or equipment, including but not limited to saws, sanders, drills, grinders, lawn mowers or tractors, leaf blowers, snow blowers or any other garden tools or equipment, on property being used for residential purposes, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day.
The conduct of any construction activities, including but not limited to the erection, demolition, assembling, altering, installing or equipping of buildings, public or private roadways, roads, premises, parks, utility lines or other property, including related activities such as land clearing, grading, earthmoving, excavating, blasting, filling or landscaping, so as to project a noise therefrom which is audible on a property being used for residential purposes, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 am. of the following day.