OXNARD : City Considers Law to Regulate Noise

Oxnard officials may soon be able to muffle noisy people.

The City Council considered an ordinance last week that would regulate noise in residential, commercial and industrial areas and on public land.

Although council members backed the ordinance generally, they tabled action on it until November to make some changes, said Richard Maggio, the city’s director of community development.

The ordinance would set sound limits in increments.

Less noise would be allowed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Violators could be fined up to $1,000 and jailed for six months, the ordinance states.

The city could place a lien on a violator’s property if the fine isn’t paid.

However, council members want the ordinance changed so that landlords would be notified before a lien is filed.

The ordinance would regulate noise from radios and tape players on public property such as parks.

If the noise is heard by people more than 100 feet away, the violator would first get a warning, followed by a fine of up to $50.

Certain noise would be exempt under the ordinance: park and school events, outdoor gatherings, dances and sporting events where a permit has been obtained, emergency machines or vehicles, certain construction and agricultural activities, and property maintenance during the daytime.