Council Votes to Lower Maximum Noise Allowance

The Newport City Council unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday night allowing the city administration to draft an amendment to Newport’s noise ordinance, which will lower the maximum permissible sound level in residential areas.

Currently, the maximum level in residential zones and noise sensitive areas is 65 during 7 a.m. and 9:59 p.m. It is then lowered to 55 decibles until 6:59 a.m.

The reduction calls for a maximum level of 55 between 8:59 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential zones and noise sensitive areas, which would “greatly contribute to our residents’ peaceful enjoyment of their homes.”

The amendment will be up for consideration at the Sept. 26 council meeting.  

Councilor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said she was concerned about more “vibrant” residential neighborhood and how they would be affected.

Mayor Henry Winthrop echoed her sentiments, saying he would ask staff members drafting the amendment to pay attention to attention to more active areas, and not to “open up the aperture so that  we’re affecting businesses.”

“We have to look at what real life is too, so that we don’t end up with something that becomes problematic,” Councilor Kathryn Leonard said.