HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-29-21 Public Comment - M. Egge - Noise OrdinanceFrom:Mark Egge
To:Martin Matsen; Agenda
Subject:Proposed Changes to the Noise Ordinance
Date:Wednesday, September 29, 2021 7:16:04 PM
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Marty, Commissioners—
I'm troubled by the proposed noise ordinance change to reduce the hoursduring which a saw or hammer may be operated in the construction of
housing. The effect of the ordinance would be to shorten our already short
building season by nearly 20% (from 16 hours per day to 13 hours per
day). The shortness of our building season is already cited as one of thereasons for Bozeman's high housing costs.
In late June the sun rises at 5:35 am and civil twilight lasts 'til 9:55 pm.
To tell construction crews that they cannot begin work until well aftersunrise and must quit two hours before dark seems to privilege a comfort
for a few over the fundamental need for housing borne by many.
Most crews don't work until 10 pm except in the case of some pressingneed (as sometimes arises to keep to a construction schedule).
There's a zen koan that tells of the great labor required to remove all
thorns and stones from the forest floor to make it soft for walking; but, byplacing thongs on one's feet one, one renders the entire forest floor
smooth. We might consider what it would mean to render a city quiet at 8
pm versus suggesting earplugs for those early to bed or late to rise.
According to the most recent Bozeman Housing Needs Assessment, an
estimated 5,405 to 6,340 housing units for residents and employees are
needed by 2025—this in a town where never in history have we built more
than 1000 units in a single year. This proposed change in ordinance willmake it less likely that we will meet this housing need. I encourage
Community Development and City Commission, instead, to consider what
it might enact to ease and promote the creation of housing.
Mark Egge
542 N Black Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715