During last week’s Wilmore City Council meeting, an ordinance related to the enforcement of noise pollution and nuisance restrictions was passed after receiving a second reading and a unanimous vote from all five present city council members.

“(We are) hopeful we can create a more pleasant and fair situation and better neighborhood for all,” Wilmore’s Mayor Harold Rainwater said. “Noise to some is progress. To others, each individual’s rights must be considered. What we do want is safe and reasonable noise or interruption in neighborhoods.”

According to the ordinance, it will be unlawful for any person within the city of Wilmore to make, continue or cause to be made or continued, any unreasonably loud, harsh or excessive noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace and/or safety of others, unless the making and continuing of the noise is necessary for the protection or preservation of property or the life, health or safety of a person or persons between the hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

An unreasonable loud, harsh and/or excessive noise is described as any manufactured noise plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from its point of origin or emanation, according to the ordinance.

Several exemptions were listed in the ordinance, including noises originating or emanating from safety signals, noises resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement, noises resulting from construction or demolition activity provided such activity takes place between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., noises relating from the use of fan machinery, noises relating to the use of lawn mowers or other machinery for landscaping purposes between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., noises resulting from any and all transportation… deemed necessary to serve the best interest of the public and to protect the public’s health and well-being, noises from activities conducted on public parks or playgrounds, noises from activities conducted on property owned or operated by civic, charitable or religious organizations, noises from activities at parades, noises from activities at firework displays, noises from activities conducted on rights-of-way of the city of Wilmore, including, but not limited to, festivals and entertainment events provided all necessary permits have been obtained and noises relating to the collection of refuse between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Residents found violating the nuisance ordinance will be subject to a penalty. Any person violating any section of the ordinance will be fined not more than $250. Each separate occurrence or each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense, according to the ordinance.