There are many things referred to as the sounds of summer: laughing children playing in the park; the crack of the bat and cheering fans at hometown baseball games; and friendly and sometimes animated conversation around the barbeque. But there comes a point when something stops being music to the ears and turns into noise. To prevent the spread of noise pollution, Pennsauken Township has code in place that helps promote some well-deserved peace and quiet for residents.

According to the Township code, prohibited noises are those that are “loud, unnecessary or unusual.” Disallowed noises “create any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise of such character, intensity or duration as is detrimental to the life or health of any individual or persons within the limits of the Township of Pennsauken or is patently offensive to persons or ordinary sensibilities.”

Some examples of noise code violations are:

• Radios, televisions and stereos operating between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that are plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which they are located.
• The use of loudspeakers, amplifiers and the like for commercial advertising
• Yelling, shouting, hooting, etc. on public streets between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any other time so as to annoy or disturb the quiet of anyone in the vicinity
• The use of drums or any other instrument for the purpose of attracting attention to any performance, show or sale
• The shouting and crying of peddlers, hawkers and vendors which disturbs the peace and quiet

In addition, the use of pile drivers, hammers, etc. and the construction and repairing of buildings can only be performed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., unless there is an emergency that affects the public health and safety. However, a permit from Pennsauken’s Construction Official is needed in that case.

Also, the creation of excessive noise on any street adjacent to a school, church or hospital is also prohibited if it interferes with the normal operations.

If you’re thinking of raising your voice to object, think again. The fines can be hefty. For each noise offense you’re convicted of, you could be subject to:

• A fine not exceeding $1,250
• Up to 90 days in the county jail
• Up to 90 days of community service

You don’t need to put your ear to the ground in order to get the message. It’s much easier to be courteous to your neighbors and keep Pennsauken Township a quiet and peaceful place to live.