Seattle mulls revising noise ordinance
SEATTLE -- The Seattle City Council is considering revising its noise ordinance to allow certain construction crews to work around the clock until the project is complete.
But critics say if city leaders have their way, many will be in for a rude awakening.
Under the city's current ordinance, qualifying construction projects are granted temporary exemptions from the city's noise ordinance. Critics fear a revision will mean these temporary exemptions will become permanent.
Chris Leman worries he'll be stirred awake by sounds of road work in the middle of the night.
"Because people are entitled to some sleep," Leman said.
But Seattle city council member Sally Clark says Leman has nothing to worry about.
Clark said the new ordinance would make it harder for crews to obtain an exemption without presenting enough details about the project to city leaders and community members. It would also limit noise in single-family neighborhoods past 10 p.m. and in apartment complexes past 7 p.m.
"The goal is that they (residents) won't hear anything at all," Clark said.
Clark says if crews aren't staying true to the variance, the city will get involved.
But Leman worries the city won't step in, and may instead even push for around-the-clock work on major projects to cut costs.
"In fact, if the city did try to change it, the city would find itself in court with the agency that had the variance," he said.
The Seattle City Council will vote on the revision at its meeting on Tuesday. Leman is urging citizens to attend the meeting.
But critics say if city leaders have their way, many will be in for a rude awakening.
Under the city's current ordinance, qualifying construction projects are granted temporary exemptions from the city's noise ordinance. Critics fear a revision will mean these temporary exemptions will become permanent.
Chris Leman worries he'll be stirred awake by sounds of road work in the middle of the night.
"Because people are entitled to some sleep," Leman said.
But Seattle city council member Sally Clark says Leman has nothing to worry about.
Clark said the new ordinance would make it harder for crews to obtain an exemption without presenting enough details about the project to city leaders and community members. It would also limit noise in single-family neighborhoods past 10 p.m. and in apartment complexes past 7 p.m.
"The goal is that they (residents) won't hear anything at all," Clark said.
Clark says if crews aren't staying true to the variance, the city will get involved.
But Leman worries the city won't step in, and may instead even push for around-the-clock work on major projects to cut costs.
"In fact, if the city did try to change it, the city would find itself in court with the agency that had the variance," he said.
The Seattle City Council will vote on the revision at its meeting on Tuesday. Leman is urging citizens to attend the meeting.