Idling

The anti-idling ordinance restricts the idling of:

• Cars and other gas or diesel-powered vehicles to no more than three minutes in a one-hour period
• Buses, trucks and other diesel engine-powered vehicles to no than five minutes in a one-hour period

Exceptions:

• Vehicles may idle when stopped in traffic.
• An occupied vehicle with a sleeper compartment may idle during a rest or sleep period.
• A passenger bus may idle a maximum of 15 minutes in a 60-minute period while non-driver passengers are on board.

See Chapter 58 - Idling

Noise and sound

Construction and demolition

• We allow construction and demolition noise from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• After hours work requires a permit.

See After hours work

Garbage pickup

Garbage pickup noise is allowed 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. within 500 feet of a residential property.

Yard or snow maintenance noise

• Use of power lawnmowers, trimmers, saws, leaf blowers or similar tools is allowed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Use of snowblowers and snowplows is allowed anytime during an official snow emergency or within 24 hours of a snowfall of 1 inch or more.

Other sound

• Outdoor amplified sound audible above the level of conversational speech at a distance of 50 feet likely requires a sound permit at any time. See Outdoor sound
• Sound from a motor vehicle sound system or audio system:
  • Is illegal if clearly audible beyond 50 feet from where it is originating
  • Can be reported to 911 or the Crime Prevention Specialist in your precinct

Report a noise complaint

See Chapter 389 - Noise

Odor

Odors are unlawful when:

• Air contaminants migrate from the premises and
• Are identified by an inspector to be above the threshold of violation at an adjacent property

See Chapter 47.150 - Odor

Spills

Environmental Services will:

• Respond to spills that are five gallons or less
• Assist the Fire Department and Public Works for larger spills as needed

See Chapter 287.100 - Oil or gasoline spills

Wells and tanks

• Contact Environmental Services about possible wells or tanks on your property.
• Work with a licensed well contractor to have a well or tank removed. 

See Chapter 48.260 - Wells