HOA Noise Guideline

Started by TiffanyB2 • 10 replies • 446 views

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TiffanyB2 (Virginia)
Posts: 5

Posted:

I am curious how a noise guideline is written. I currently live in a tiny townhouse community and I think certain residents are mistaking daily living with excessive noise. I hear my neighbors go up and down the steps, close kitchen cabinets, etc. My dog barks several times a day for a few seconds. I feel like I am getting ready to prepare for battle where normal living ends and excessive noise starts. I mean I can't find it realistic to fine someone for making noise in their home or a dog barking for a few seconds. Can you help me out and show me what is reasonable as I can't make it work in my head. Thank you

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

It is usually a time thing with noise. 8 am to 10 pm is recommended times in many HOA's where certain noises are "acceptable". However, after 10 pm in general is time to keep things on the downlow.

Former HOA President

JackJ9 (New York)
Posts: 112

Posted:

I agree.

No opening cabinets after 10pm.

TiffanyB2 (Virginia)
Posts: 5

Posted:

LOL- one other board member is wanting a noise clause. Our houses are not the best sound proof. I was just saying I can hear my neighbors as I am sure they hear my dog. Now on the other hand, I think this could be the exact issue(s) the person is trying to control. I am not the police and not willing to be so petty.

TiffanyB2 (Virginia)
Posts: 5

Posted:

Thank you - she is wanting to make sure she can't hear anyone/anything at all times. This isn't possible living in a townhome sistuation IMO

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Understood. I swear it sounds like someone is mowing my carpet whenever someone mows in my neighborhood. However, there are certain noises that are reasonable and "natural". However, noises that are associated with bad behavior are a bit different. Those should best be handled by the police.

Again time plays a major role. Most cities also have similar requirements.

Former HOA President

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Here's what I've learned from dealing with noise issues in condos:

* Construction quality makes a big difference, and no noise guidelines will compensate for poor construction.

* Similarly, noise guidelines will not stop the problem of inconsiderate residents.

* Side-to-side noise transmission seems to be less of an issue than noise from above or below.

* Our attorney said that attached homes are going to be noisier than detached ones. People have a responsibility to choose housing that meets their needs, and those who are bothered by noise in general should think twice about any attached homes. People should not expect a community to adjust its standards just because someone doesn't like them.

* Time restrictions on noises may not work. For example, what about the folks who work second or third shift: can they not do house work at all? And people can have emergencies in the middle of the night that require prompt attention.

* Condos and HOAs are not apartment complexes, and homeowners have more rights than tenants (if for no other reason than tenants can be evicted but homeowners can't). So just because something works in apartments doesn't mean that it will work in your community.

* In general, noise guidelines can encourage considerate behavior but they may or may not make enough of a difference to the noise-sensitive folks.

TiffanyB2 (Virginia)
Posts: 5

Posted:

Thank you for your reply. I feel this board member has as issues from the start with everyone. Leading to the old President resigning. I agree our homes are not built well because I hear my neighbors some but I consider it daily living noise. I can't expect someone's dog not to bark, or going up and down the steps. I just can't see where we can put in order some sort of no noise at all that is what she wants

TiffanyB2 (Virginia)
Posts: 5

Posted:

We are side by side btw

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

May sound a bit crazy but why not hang some curtains or tapestries on the shared wall? Try something that could be more sound cancelling. Maybe add some accoustical sound boards. Something may fit your decor. May even be able to put up some foam board.

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Tiffany

Treat her with benign neglect.

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