Construction/Landscaping Noise Hours

Started by NpB • 9 replies • 719 views

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NpB (Arizona)
Posts: 605

Posted:

Between what hours is noise from privately contracted contractors and landscapers permitted in your HOA?

In the HOA l live in, such noise is permitted only from Monday-Friday 6am to 6pm or 7am to 5pm depending on season and Saturday from 7am to 2pm, with no noise permitted on Sunday.

I don't know the history of how the Saturday 7am to 2pm permission evolved, but there is one landscaper who has served some residents for over 20 years and he is only available on Saturday. Over the years, new residents have hired this landscaper and he know just barely finishes by 2pm on Saturday. Yes, there are other landscapers who service residents on the weekdays, but this landscaper's client base seems to grow simply because most residents are physically present the entire day on Saturday and many new residents from out of state simply blindly "follow their neighbor."

It's not like landscapers are an endangered species. If telephone books still existed, they would contain a plethora of them, but psychologically a small vocal group in my neighborhood are resistant to change and inconvenience and would be disturbed if a Saturday landscaping noise ban went into effect.

Sunday still seems to be widely accepted as a day of rest in the United States, as most do not work on that day and would appreciate peace and quiet, but how about Saturday? In your opinion, does it matter if Saturday was an all day quiet day vs all day Tuesday?

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

NpB

I would make Saturday hours the same as weekdays. Sunday ban is fine.

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

The associations we manage and the one in which we reside follow the Noise guidelines of the city in which they are located. Construction hours are clearly listed and the contractors know the acceptable hours.

The city code compliance officers and police will respond to noise complaints outside of the hours found in the city codes. Enforcing compliance with an association's rules puts a burden on the association compliance process which I personally do not believe is warranted.

If the municipality does not have 'construction hours' then you may have no choice.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

For the most part it's 8 am - 6 pm. There's rarely been work on Sunday (otherwise, we'd pay more).

I think people need to remember that Sunday is considered a day of rest for most people, not to mention there are folks who work nights and others who work weekends only. Granted you can't be all things to all people, but I personally don't see a reason construction work or landscaping can't be done Monday - Saturday (unless it's an emergency, even they want to take at least one day a week off).

I know this may be inconvenient for people who work odd hours and want to be home when the contractor shows up, but if one's worried about the quality of work, try asking a neighbor to keep an eye out, if possible.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

NpB (Arizona)
Posts: 605

Posted:

So then Saturday isn't considered sacred as far as noise is concerned for most people?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

We're a condo high rise and don't allow Saturday or Sunday construction noise or moves. We like to keep the elevator free for residents.

Our landscapers only are here M-F 8-5; same with ARC approved work in units and vendors doing projects for our Assn.

Right now, for instance, both of our large lobbies are completely gutted--wall & floor granite--everything. Work only is permitted 8-5., M-F.

But, detached homes are a lot different.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I think it's best to keep it to a "work week". If got to work Saturday, should have to follow the same work-week hours. I consider the weekend "rest days". Even the contractors may not work Saturdays except for emergencies.

Let us not forget the Latter day Saints religion. Saturdays are their "Sabbath". They believe also it is not a day to go out to do any work. Believe they have to wait till like sunset. Used to volunteer with Habitat. The people of that religion even though had to put in "Sweat hours" for the house, did not join us on Saturdays. Usually showed up at the end of the day.

Former HOA President

BarbaraT1 (Texas)
Posts: 821

Posted:

Is this rule only for contractors, or are owners also prohibited from working on their homes or yards on a Sunday?

NpB (Arizona)
Posts: 605

Posted:

Good point. The rule as it stands now is only for contractors and hired landscapers, not owners themselves using a loud leaf blower.

BenA2 (Texas)
Posts: 1,273

Posted:

I personally think contractors should be able to work everyday with stricter times on weekends. However, every community is different so there is no one-size-fits-all.

Be glad you have some rules. Our CC&Rs have no restrictions on times and, being in an unincorporated area of a Texas county, there are no noise ordinances. We have had multiple concrete trucks show up to a site in the middle of the night and there is nothing that can be done to stop them. The funny thing is that many people on social media will defend the practice as it being "freedom."

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