Chattanooga may curb off-road vehicle noise in the near future.
Next week, the Chattanooga City Council considers amending the city's sound regulations to tackle complaints caused by off-road vehicles on private property.
In a recent meeting, Chattanooga Police Capt. Scott Fulgham said off-road vehicle noise is a recurring problem in Council Districts 1 and 3, which include Lookout Valley and Hixson, respectively.
"In [Lookout Valley] we had a lot of problems with four-wheelers and motorcycles running almost like a dirt track in their backyards and causing significant issues for the residents," Fulgham said.
Even though the city has an "extensive sound ordinance," the police had little concrete policy to enforce, at least concerning those types of vehicles, he said.
"Most of our noise ordinance addresses noise during the night, but there was nothing that addressed it during the day," District 1 Councilman Chip Henderson said. "I think we have reached a good compromise on how to address this going forward in giving our team the tools they need to enforce it."
The proposed noise code amendment would set a 70-decibel threshold for off-road vehicles operating on private property.
For comparison, the sounds from motorcycles and power lawnmowers are generally at least 80 decibels, according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, a national nonprofit resource cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Fulgham said the police department will need a few more sound meters to properly enforce the proposed noise limits.
Council Vice Chairman Ken Smith, who represents District 3, asked if the amendment would apply to riding lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
Fulgham said it would not because the city code already addresses such equipment.
Lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chain saws and other outdoor tools may not be operated between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., according to the city code.
Councilman Russell Gilbert asked how the amendment would affect nighttime noise violations.
"Right now, when we get a complaint, we check those out," Fulgham said.
Police usually give offenders a warning, which solves the problem "99 percent of the time," he said. If the noise continues, police will issue misdemeanor citations.
City Court can fine noise offenders up to $50 for each citation, plus court costs, Fulgham said.
Henderson praised the proposed amendment for setting noise limits for off-road vehicles at a "tolerable" level.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@times freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleach_tfp.