Christiansburg's last draft noise ordinance is still under review by the Planning Commission at the request of the Town Council. The most recent draft ordinance provided exemptions to the provisions of the ordinance before even stating what those provisions are. And, every complaint voiced by folks speaking at planning commission meetings is exempted from the ordinance. For example:
Two women have spoken about noise from a concrete plant built since they've owned their home. However the noise ordinance exempted "Sounds generated in Business, Industrial, and Mixed Use Zoning Districts which are necessary and incidental to the uses permitted therein."
One woman has voiced concerns about incessant truck noise from a major dirt-moving activity. I have spoken at length about construction noise adjacent to and in the heart of residential areas. The noise ordinance exempted "Sounds generated from activities related to the construction, repair, maintenance, remodeling or demolition, grading or other improvement of real property."
A medical student spoke about a lawn service operating regularly at 6:30am near her home in a mixed use area. The noise ordinance exempted "Sounds generated from gardening, lawn care, tree maintenance or removal and other landscaping activities."
If we hope that Christiansburg will retain any appeal for new businesses and new residents, we need to assure these potential neighbors that their right to quiet enjoyment will be respected and assured.
As it is, construction rules in Christiansburg. We need to focus on residents and their quality of life.