Policy Order O-7

WHEREAS: Noise concerns in Cambridge encompass issues ranging from construction noise to street performer noise to loud motorcycles and car radios to building air handling, air conditioning and heating units to air plane noise to leaf blower usage and more; and

WHEREAS: Excessive noise can be detrimental to sleep, cause undue stress and have other public health impacts; and

WHEREAS: Cambridge has a City Ordinance that limits types, times and locations of various noise sources; and

WHEREAS: State law limits noise from loud motorcycles; and

WHEREAS: Cambridge's noise enforcement staff reside in the Arts Committee and the License Commission but not in Inspectional Services, Cambridge Police Department, DPW or the Department of Public Health;  and

WHEREAS: There are widespread public concerns about excessive noise throughout the City but there is little concerted effort to map and manage noise sources or to review zoning rules for noise impacts; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff to: determine the existing capacity of the City to address excessive noise complaints; analyze past complaints to determine if there have been any trends in type, location, time or any other aspect of formal noise complaints and response actions in Cambridge; create a noise map focusing on existing noise from industrial, lab and office buildings and the impact of that noise on residential structures; review opportunities to provide noise measurement and enforcement capabilities and responsibilities within the Police Department, Inspectional Services, DPW and the Department of Public Health to provide comprehensive, 24/7 noise response capacity with Cambridge; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.