ACK NOISE BYLAW
Click here to access Nantucket's Noise Bylaw (Chapter 101 of the Nantucket Code).
Restrictions:
In general, it is unlawful for any person or persons, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (7:30 a.m. between June 15 and September 15), "to create, assist in creating, cause or suffer or allow any excessive, unnecessary, loud or unusual noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the reasonable quiet, comfort, repose or the health or safety of others." Chapter 101-1.A-B. Notable exceptions: - Loading, unloading, opening, closing or otherwise handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, trash can, dumpsters or similar objects can begin at 6:00 a.m. (Section 101-1A(3)).
- Non-emergency, ongoing construction or maintenance noise: see restrictions at right
- Operating mechanically powered tools outside, including landscaping tools: see restrictions at right
- Noise from repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle or motorboat is prohibited before 10:00 am on Sundays (Chapter 101-1A(5)).
SPECIAL RESTRICTION FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT Air conditioning, air handling, pumps, fans, compressors, swimming pool or spa pumps may not exceed 55 dBA over a ten-minute period measured from 40 ft. or more from the source of the sound or the property line of the premises on which the equipment is located. Nantucket Code, Chapter 101-2A(1).
When replacing any mechanicals, consider choosing those with low sound emissions.
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If you rent your house, please consider reminding your renter of the town ordinances on noise,
including no outside music after 10pm.
Privet Hedges
Let's face it. With the growing number of houses in 'Sconset and the widespread installation of privet hedges, the noise from pruning has become an almost constant irritant during the summer. Here are some ways that you can help.
- If your lot is large enough, plant an alternative to privet that doesn't require pruning. There are many attractive alternatives available.
- If you just want to mark your border, consider installing a split rail or picket fence instead of privet.
- If you have privet, please consider reducing the height of your hedge. The lower the hedge, the less time it will take to prune! In some instances, public safety is also at stake.
For corner lots, the Code of Nantucket (Chapter 132-1) and the Town Encroachment Policy (Section VI) actually restrict the height of hedges to three feet high for a certain distance from the corner for public safety reasons. The Town Encroachment Policy adopts the same height restriction for a certain distance from driveways on ALL lots on public roads.
Other Landscaping Noise
Electric and battery powered blowers, mowers, and edgers are now available that are quieter than the gas powered alternatives. Please use or insist that your landscaper use these out of consideration for your neighbors. Use of gas-powered leaf blowers by commercial landscape companies is prohibited at all times and all days of the year. Nantucket Code, Chapter 101-2A(2). Use of other mechanically powered lawn or garden tools is subject to the same time restrictions noted below for mechanically powered construction tools. Nantucket Code, Chapter 101-1(5).
Construction Noise
Noise from an ongoing construction project is prohibited:
Monday-Saturday
June 15-Sept. 15: 8pm-7:30am *
Sept. 16-June 14: 8pm-7am
* EXCEPTION:
In the Sconset Old Historic District, it is prohibited from 6pm to 8am from July 1 to Labor Day.
Sunday
8pm-10am
See Nantucket Code, Chapter 101-1A(4).
Use of saws, drills, sanders, grinders, nail guns, and other mechanical tools outside is prohibited :
Monday-Saturday June 15-Sept. 15: 10pm-7:30am *
Sept. 16-June 14: 10pm-7am
* EXCEPTION:
In the Sconset Old Historic District, it is prohibited from 5pm to 8am from July 1 to Labor Day.
Sunday
10pm-10am
See Nantucket Code, Chapter 101-1A(5).
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PLEASE BE QUIET WHEN USING YOUR POOL 
Gas powered leaf blowers, edgers and trimmers use 2-stroke engines that create higher air pollution emissions including harmful carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and carcinogenic hydrocarbons.
 According to the Federal Aviation Administration, recreational drones aren’t allowed to be flown in controlled airspace unless the operator has a Part 107 certification, a commercial drone-operating license, and has received permission prior to flying. Without a special license and permission, Nantucket residents might find it hard to find the space to fly drones, as almost the entire island’s airspace is controlled by the Nantucket Memorial Airport.
Even though some of 'Sconset isn't within controlled air space, let's make ALL of 'Sconset a No Drone Zone to protect all of us from an unnecessary and annoying source of noise pollution.
What can you do on an individual level? Don't allow your family members and guests to use drones in 'Sconset. If you rent your house, adopt a "no drone rule" for your renters.
Your neighbors will be SO grateful!
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