This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Very Important Administrative Note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.
Unsigned messages will be deleted. (Why?  Because anonymous messages are much
less valued than signed messages.)

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

You can join the Cleveland Park Listserv, the area's largest neighborhood email
list (and which now has an advice columnist!) at http://www.cleveland-park.com
or by sending an email to cleveland-park-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

I would start the complaint process by taking the issue to your neighborhood ANC
Commissioner and bringing it up at their next ANC meeting.  They review bar
licensing issues via the ABC board (does DC even have an ABC board??) I believe,
or the Commission itself may have jurisdiction over liquor licensing issues
itself.  The ANC 3B and ANC 3C have been instrumental in revoking and/or
granting restaurant liquor licenses based on such issues as noise and trash
management in my neighborhoods.



P. Miller



To: quietdc@yahoogroups.com
From: ellena18@...
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:03:39 +0000
Subject: [quietdc] Loud Bar/Restaurant Across my street





Hi,

I am soooo tired of the bar across my street. I moved to my condo in July and I
chose this neighborhood (Penn Quarter) thinking that it was less noisier than
most of the other D.C. neighborhoods. Mostly, this is true...except for the loud
LOUD LOOOUUDD bar/restaurant that is across my street. It is the only thing that
is open on the weekends (except for starbucks) and people are constantly
shouting and cheering...Im guessing that people are watching sports on T.V.
there during the day time and omg during the night time until 1 am on the
weekends! I cannot handle it any longer. I keep waking up to people shouting on
top of their lungs for God knows what reason at 12 am at night. Why can't they
keep their customers INSIDE and close their doors??? This bar is also opened
until 11 pm on weekdays and drunk people are stumbling and crying, arguing,
yelling, etc. and keeping me awake. I thought I could handle this but I would
just like to know if I can do anything to make the noise calm down or go away.
Can I make a formal complaint...and if I do, will it do anything?

Thank you,

Ellena
sleepy girl-who-can't fall asleep b/c of the bar across from her






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ellena,

We've had a noise problem with a restaurant directly below us (we bought 1 year
before they moved in).  My advice would be to see if they have a Voluntary
Agreement, which is filed with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulatory Administration
(ABRA), which may or may not have provisions in it to regulate noise. 
Generally, you shouldn't be able to hear noise louder than 60 decibels from the
restaurant more than 5 feet away.  You can call ABRA up and ask them what can be
done.  You can also call 311 and ask to speak to the ABRA inspector on call when
the noise is going on, and they can investigate the matter.

Another route would be to talk to your ANC commissioner. Your voter registration
card will have what ANC neighborhood you are in.  For example, I'm in ANC 1B. 
The ANC commissioner has been helpful in figuring out what to do to remedy the
situation.

Good luck.  I hope you do pursue it as you shouldn't need to live with the
noise.

Sincerely,
Leanne

--- In quietdc@yahoogroups.com, "ellena" <ellena18@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I am soooo tired of the bar across my street. I moved to my condo in July and
I chose this neighborhood (Penn Quarter) thinking that it was less noisier than
most of the other D.C. neighborhoods. Mostly, this is true...except for the loud
LOUD LOOOUUDD bar/restaurant that is across my street. It is the only thing that
is open on the weekends (except for starbucks) and people are constantly
shouting and cheering...Im guessing that people are watching sports on T.V.
there during the day time and omg during the night time until 1 am on the
weekends! I cannot handle it any longer. I keep waking up to people shouting on
top of their lungs for God knows what reason at 12 am at night. Why can't they
keep their customers INSIDE and close their doors??? This bar is also opened
until 11 pm on weekdays and drunk people are stumbling and crying, arguing,
yelling, etc. and keeping me awake. I thought I could handle this but I would
just like to know if I can do anything to make the noise calm down or go away. 
Can I make a formal complaint...and if I do, will it do anything?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Ellena
> sleepy girl-who-can't fall asleep b/c of the bar across from her
>

Hi,

I am soooo tired of the bar across my street. I moved to my condo in July and I
chose this neighborhood (Penn Quarter) thinking that it was less noisier than
most of the other D.C. neighborhoods. Mostly, this is true...except for the loud
LOUD LOOOUUDD bar/restaurant that is across my street. It is the only thing that
is open on the weekends (except for starbucks) and people are constantly
shouting and cheering...Im guessing that people are watching sports on T.V.
there during the day time and omg during the night time until 1 am on the
weekends! I cannot handle it any longer. I keep waking up to people shouting on
top of their lungs for God knows what reason at 12 am at night. Why can't they
keep their customers INSIDE and close their doors??? This bar is also opened
until 11 pm on weekdays and drunk people are stumbling and crying, arguing,
yelling, etc. and keeping me awake. I thought I could handle this but I would
just like to know if I can do anything to make the noise calm down or go away. 
Can I make a formal complaint...and if I do, will it do anything?

Thank you,

Ellena
sleepy girl-who-can't fall asleep b/c of the bar across from her

Thank you SO much for the noise enforcement phone numbers.  Does anyone know if
there are other SPECIFIC noise-making activities for which hours of operation
are specifically set?  (Sorry if that question's been asked before.) Leaf
blowers had come to mind, and thanks for the code info on their hours of
allowable use, below.  They are the bane of my existence.  One of our neighbors
hires a landscape team to manicure their yard, and one of the guys was out in
the front yard at 7 pm running the leaf blower.  It occurred to me what an
annoyance that was to be leaf blowing at an hour where people are returning from
work, and would, presumably, want and expect some quiet in the 'hood.  I
wondered if there are prescribed hours of operation for noisey home-use
equipment (ie: activities other than construction activities) in the DC Code.  
I wouldn't want a "noise level" check on a leaf blower.  We know how loud they
are.  I'm sure the manufacturers can provide decible level info on the machines.
I just want their operation to cease after, say, 5:30 pm, after which their use
is subject to fines being imposed.  8:30 pm seems rather late for an allowable
use limit.  I am investigating who on the City Council is on the Public Works
Committee who might be willing to take up the matter of better enforcement of
noise regs.  If anyone knows more about this, please post.

Thanks,

Paula Miller





To: quietdc@yahoogroups.com
From: slowe11@...
Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:40:04 +0000
Subject: [quietdc] Re: DC Police officers don't have the equipment needed to
enforce noise laws





I have the following contacts for requesting noise enforcement:
442-4620 Sonia Bradford
442-4477 for immediate service

535-1929 : Scheduling a noise level reading and tracking desk

Mandoza Lowery, 202-741-7731 Mandoza.Lowery@...

Nicholas.Majett@.... Deputy Director of Compliance and Enforcement.
Director's office Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. 442-8947
Ms Angela Freeman, Customer Service or DCRA 442-8947 angela.freeman@....

I found the deparatment and personnel lax with follow through. Get a ticket
number and follow up. Get phone numbers and names of anyone you speak to. Ask to
speak to a supervisor. Enforcement is abysmal!

Steven

--- In quietdc@yahoogroups.com, "beckytsabo" <beckytsabo@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> This morning around 8 am on a Saturday I was awoken by loud leaf blowing and
frustrated (a few weeks earlier I was awoken by jackhammering at 7:15 am in the
street right next to my building) I called 311 to see if there was anything I
could do. I was transferred to the nearest precinct and I talked to a police
officer there. He told me the main rules he knew about related to construction.
I asked him about the decibel levels I had read (2808.1 of the Municipal
Regulations states that leafblower noise cannot exceed 70 db at a 50 ft distance
(and cannot be used between 8:30 pm and 8 am) and 2802.1 states that on a
weekday construction noise cannot exceed 80 db). The police officer told me that
the DC Council passed these regulations but they did not give the police
officers any equipment to enforce it so they cannot enforce rules regarding
sound levels. He told me I should write to them and request that they provie the
DC police officers with tis equipment. Does anyone have more information on
this?
>
> Also, in the Municipal Regulations, there are references to "any weekday" and
"Sunday and holidays" but I do not see anything about Saturdays. Does anyone
know the rules regarding noise on a Saturday?
>
> Thank you,
> Becky Sabo
>

This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Very Important Administrative Note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.
Unsigned messages will be deleted. (Why?  Because anonymous messages are much
less valued than signed messages.)

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

You can join the Cleveland Park Listserv, the area's largest neighborhood email
list (and which now has an advice columnist!) at http://www.cleveland-park.com
or by sending an email to cleveland-park-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

I have the following contacts for requesting noise enforcement:
442-4620  Sonia Bradford
442-4477 for immediate service

535-1929 : Scheduling a noise level reading and tracking desk

Mandoza Lowery,  202-741-7731 Mandoza.Lowery@...

Nicholas.Majett@....   Deputy Director of Compliance and Enforcement.
Director's office Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.   442-8947
Ms  Angela Freeman, Customer Service or DCRA    442-8947  angela.freeman@....

I found the deparatment and personnel lax with follow through.  Get a ticket
number and follow up.  Get phone numbers and names of anyone you speak to.  Ask
to speak to a supervisor.  Enforcement is abysmal!

Steven

--- In quietdc@yahoogroups.com, "beckytsabo" <beckytsabo@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> This morning around 8 am on a Saturday I was awoken by loud leaf blowing and
frustrated (a few weeks earlier I was awoken by jackhammering at 7:15 am in the
street right next to my building) I called 311 to see if there was anything I
could do. I was transferred to the nearest precinct and I talked to a police
officer there. He told me the main rules he knew about related to construction.
I asked him about the decibel levels I had read (2808.1 of the Municipal
Regulations states that leafblower noise cannot exceed 70 db at a 50 ft distance
(and cannot be used between 8:30 pm and 8 am) and 2802.1 states that on a
weekday construction noise cannot exceed 80 db). The police officer told me that
the DC Council passed these regulations but they did not give the police
officers any equipment to enforce it so they cannot enforce rules regarding
sound levels. He told me I should write to them and request that they provie the
DC police officers with tis equipment. Does anyone have more information on
this?
>
> Also, in the Municipal Regulations, there are references to "any weekday" and
"Sunday and holidays" but I do not see anything about Saturdays. Does anyone
know the rules regarding noise on a Saturday?
>
> Thank you,
> Becky Sabo
>

Hello,

This morning around 8 am on a Saturday I was awoken by loud leaf blowing and
frustrated (a few weeks earlier I was awoken by jackhammering at 7:15 am in the
street right next to my building) I called 311 to see if there was anything I
could do. I was transferred to the nearest precinct and I talked to a police
officer there. He told me the main rules he knew about related to construction.
I asked him about the decibel levels I had read (2808.1 of the Municipal
Regulations states that leafblower noise cannot exceed 70 db at a 50 ft distance
(and cannot be used between 8:30 pm and 8 am) and 2802.1 states that on a
weekday construction noise cannot exceed 80 db). The police officer told me that
the DC Council passed these regulations but they did not give the police
officers any equipment to enforce it so they cannot enforce rules regarding
sound levels. He told me I should write to them and request that they provie the
DC police officers with tis equipment. Does anyone have more information on
this?

Also, in the Municipal Regulations, there are references to "any weekday" and
"Sunday and holidays" but I do not see anything about Saturdays. Does anyone
know the rules regarding noise on a Saturday?

Thank you,
Becky Sabo

Jason: Your problem is everyone's problem in DC. I have a copy of the municipal
noise regulations I am going to forward the link to you. Also do you know
something about trash pick up earlier Saturday or anyone here knows something
please let me know...tomorrow I will post the link in here either that or you
can send me an email to my email address warrenernesto@... and I will try
reply with the link.

Warren

--- In quietdc@yahoogroups.com, "seymo77" <seymo77@...> wrote:
>
> I am trying to research noise pollution and seller's disclosure laws in DC. I
recently purchased a place and was not aware of the level of noise near the
condo. Noise pollution was never discussed in the disclosures. Can someone help
me with my research? Either online or a lawyer with whom I could consult. Thanks
so much!
>
> Jason Lebowitz
>

This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Very Important Administrative Note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.
Unsigned messages will be deleted. (Why?  Because anonymous messages are much
less valued than signed messages.)

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

You can join the Cleveland Park Listserv, the area's largest neighborhood email
list (and which now has an advice columnist!) at http://www.cleveland-park.com
or by sending an email to cleveland-park-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Hello,
I was hoping you could help me... Recently, a group of protesters have set up
camp outside my apt building on 22nd & I. It is a Carpenters Union that pays
homeless people to carry signs, bang drums, hit a cowbells, whistle, and scream
from 7am-2pm every day. I am a nurse who works night shift and have been unable
to sleep during the day due to the disturbance. Many of the residence in the
building have been complaining...but the condo association has made no move.
There have been plenty of MPD and Campus security around, but none of them have
taken steps to quiet the protesters. What am I able to do as a citizen? I don't
mind them protesting, but the noise level is just outrageous. Any suggestions or
help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Laura Poteat

This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Very Important Administrative Note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.
Unsigned messages will be deleted. (Why?  Because anonymous messages are much
less valued than signed messages.)

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

You can join the Cleveland Park Listserv, the area's largest neighborhood email
list (and which now has an advice columnist!) at http://www.cleveland-park.com
or by sending an email to cleveland-park-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

I am trying to research noise pollution and seller's disclosure laws in DC. I
recently purchased a place and was not aware of the level of noise near the
condo. Noise pollution was never discussed in the disclosures. Can someone help
me with my research? Either online or a lawyer with whom I could consult. Thanks
so much!

Jason Lebowitz

This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Very Important Administrative Note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.
Unsigned messages will be deleted. (Why?  Because anonymous messages are much
less valued than signed messages.)

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

You can join the Cleveland Park Listserv, the area's largest neighborhood email
list (and which now has an advice columnist!) at http://www.cleveland-park.com
or by sending an email to cleveland-park-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Dear Leanne,
I'm not surprised that the restaurant is indifferent, but it seems your
condo board should be involved since it's likely other residents are having
the same problem. So, my first piece of advice is to recruit other residents
to your efforts so you don't sound like uniquely difficult, uptight people
when you complain. (Which I say in total sympathy, I know this is how some
neighbors think of me!)
My second piece of advice is to contact your DC Council member (the
regulatory agency and law enforcement are just too overburdened to be
helpful, in my experience). I had good luck after mine intervened on my
behalf with a noise problem.* Also, the Council should hear more often from
their constituents about noise problems in the city in general so that
whenever legislation or enforcement comes up, they will be more likely to
take noise issues seriously* -- even if they can't help with specific ones.
One problem you might run into is that, as far as city regulations are
concerned, noise is measured at a certain distance from the property line
(if I remember right), so if it's coming up through your own building, I am
not sure what laws apply. If you were in a rental unit, it would be the
landlord's job to ensure a habitable environment for you, which is why I
think it might be the developer's problem to solve, and some pressure from
your Council member could help make that happen.
Good luck!
Annie Singer

On Wed, Jul 1, 2009 at 12:13 PM, Leanne <Frenchita23@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hello,
>
> I'm dealing with a problem that I need help on. We live in a mixed use
> building and a new restaurant moved in right below us. We are now treated to
> live jazz concerts from down below 3-5 times per week. it's loud enough to
> require us to increase the volume of our radio/TV so we don't hear it, but
> might not be loud enough to reach the decibel level. It's beginning to
> impact our lives - we don't have friends over, etc. We've tried working with
> the developer and the restaurant owner but it is getting ridiculous. our
> condo board is dragging their feet.
>
> Does anyone have any advice? we would greatly appreciate it.
>
> Thank you,
> Leanne
>

Does this group address noise from Motorcycles? Open pipes or disfunctional
mufflers? What are the DC ordincences about Vehicle Noise and how can we get the
laws enforced?

What about the Memorial Day "rolling thunder" event.

Steve LOWE
Brookland,  20017

Hello,

I'm dealing with a problem that I need help on.  We live in a mixed use building
and a new restaurant moved in right below us.  We are now treated to live jazz
concerts from down below 3-5 times per week.  it's loud enough to require us to
increase the volume of our radio/TV so we don't hear it, but might not be loud
enough to reach the decibel level.  It's beginning to impact our lives - we
don't have friends over, etc.  We've tried working with the developer and the
restaurant owner but it is getting ridiculous.  our condo board is dragging
their feet.

Does anyone have any advice?  we would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Leanne

This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Very Important Administrative Note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.
Unsigned messages will be deleted. (Why?  Because anonymous messages are much
less valued than signed messages.)

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

You can join the Cleveland Park Listserv, the area's largest neighborhood email
list (and which now has an advice columnist!) at http://www.cleveland-park.com
or by sending an email to cleveland-park-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Does this group address noise from Motorcycles? Open pipes or disfunctional
mufflers?  What are the DC ordincences about Vehicle Noise and how can we get
the laws enforced?

What about the Memorial Day "rolling thunder" event.

Steve

Yes, Council Member Graham's legislation prevents garbage pick-up between 7am
and 9pm, as one of the members wrote.
�
However, this is different.� It starts at 7am, 50 feet from 3 dozen apartments
at Dupont West.� It goes on for 20 minutes BEFORE they start their trash run
(they are compacting garbage).� I am told this is therefore different, and I
should try to get an inspection on site to measure the decibel level (which is
so huge that plates rattlein my apartment.)� The legislation you refer to does
not cover this, only garbage runs between 7aM AND 9PM� But something in the
noise ordinance may.
�
Best
�
Joe


�
Johns Hopkins University, Theatre Arts and Studies
George Washington University, Creative Writing
Website: http://joemartin.us� ��� ���� �
E-mail: joemartinhu@...
Phone: 202-390-8398

--- On Wed, 6/24/09, Paula M <crestview306@...> wrote:


From: Paula M <crestview306@...>
Subject: RE: [quietdc] trash compactors
To: quietdc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 9:06 AM








I have never heard of such an exemption. In fact, this particular situation w/
trash trucks has been an ongoing issue for years for the residents at Wisconsin
Ave. and Porter Street NW. QuietDC, just a couple of months ago, notified
subscribers of a new DC Council passage of a noise ordinance, or amendment to an
existing noise ordinance, that reiterates, no vehicular or construction
machinery noises prior to 7am. Someone, please correct me if I am wrong on this.
Thanks.

P. Miller


To: quietdc@yahoogroups .com
From: joemartinhu@ yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:42:36 +0000

According to the noise regulations the quietdc site links to, which are dated
1998, trash compactors are entirely exempted from noise controls. Has this
changed?

Across from our building on 20th street every morning a garbage truck emerges
and proceeds to run its super high decibel trash compactor in front of a parking
garage under a concrete awning (amplifying the sound) from 7:05am to 7:25 am.
The truck faces, 80 feet away, about 4 dozen aprtment units in Bristol House,
and the apartments above Second Story Books as well. No one who is sleeping
remains so. One block away on New Hampshire Ave just round the corner -- is a
block with office buildings on both sides, that has no one in them at 7am. They
don't bpther to use it.

The management at Bristol House on 20th Street says they spoke to them a while
ago, but only got them to change their ruckus--which sounds like tank warfare--
from 6:30am to 7am. Is there really no recourse? Do the regulations still give
them an absolute exemption --as the 1998 regulations on file on this site state?
Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

In desperation

Joe Martin / Dupont West
















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks Paula.� Actually, this stationary high decibel compacting activity
doesn't fall under Council member Graham's bill -- because it is not a moving
garbage truck picking up trash, and it is after 7am.� (I called his
office.)� It is a truck standing still before its morning rounds in front a
residential block with hundreds of people -- compacting and grinding trash at a
high decibel level for 20 minutes straight.� I have been told to try to have
an official inspection of the high decibel activity at the site.�
�
But thank you so much, as your response got m in touch with the council members
office and they got me in touch with offices in DC government.� Best -- Joe M


�
Johns Hopkins University, Theatre Arts and Studies
George Washington University, Creative Writing
Website: http://joemartin.us� ��� ���� �
E-mail: joemartinhu@...
Phone: 202-390-8398

--- On Wed, 6/24/09, Paula M <crestview306@...> wrote:


From: Paula M <crestview306@...>
Subject: RE: [quietdc] Re: Trash Truck Compactor Noise - File - Monthly Message
To: quietdc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 9:14 AM








Here it is, from Bill Adler, on April 25th -

There's a new law on the books that allows private trash companies that perform
pre-7am or post 9pm pickups to be fined. Here is more information about that
law, which was shepherded through the City Council by Councilmember Jim Graham.

--Bill Adler

----------

The District can now fine private trash pickup companies based on residents'
complaints under a new law that I authored.

The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will
investigate complaints of private trash trucks picking up trash outside of legal
hours. If the complaint is found to be valid, trash truck operators will be
fined $300 per offense.

The law allows fines to be issued without a DCRA inspector witnessing an illegal
pickup. Previously inspectors would visit the sites of complaints but were
rarely there when an illegal trash pickup happened.

Private trash companies may only operate in residential areas between 7 a.m. and
9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Complaints must be made within seven days of the offense. To file a
complaint, visit the DCRA Web site (http://dcra. dc.gov) or call at
202-442-4615. You may also mail or fax a complaint form to DCRA. Full
instructions are available at this link: DCRA: Trash Truck Noise
Complaints<http://dcra. dc.gov/dcra/ cwp/view, A,3,Q,643422. asp>

Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington, DC
20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109

To: quietdc@yahoogroups .com
From: joemartinhu@ yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:42:36 +0000
Subject: [quietdc] Re: File - Monthly Message

According to the noise regulations the quietdc site links to, which are dated
1998, trash compactors are entirely exempted from noise controls. Has this
changed?

Across from our building on 20th street every morning a garbage truck emerges
and proceeds to run its super high decibel trash compactor in front of a parking
garage under a concrete awning (amplifying the sound) from 7:05am to 7:25 am.
The truck faces, 80 feet away, about 4 dozen aprtment units in Bristol House,
and the apartments above Second Story Books as well. No one who is sleeping
remains so. One block away on New Hampshire Ave just round the corner -- is a
block with office buildings on both sides, that has no one in them at 7am. They
don't bpther to use it.

The management at Bristol House on 20th Street says they spoke to them a while
ago, but only got them to change their ruckus--which sounds like tank warfare--
from 6:30am to 7am. Is there really no recourse? Do the regulations still give
them an absolute exemption --as the 1998 regulations on file on this site state?
Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

In desperation

Joe Martin / Dupont West

-Paula

Here it is, from Bill Adler, on April 25th -



There's a new law on the books that allows private trash companies that perform
pre-7am or post 9pm pickups to be fined. Here is more information about that
law, which was shepherded through the City Council by Councilmember Jim Graham.

--Bill Adler

----------

The District can now fine private trash pickup companies based on residents'
complaints under a new law that I authored.

The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will
investigate complaints of private trash trucks picking up trash outside of legal
hours. If the complaint is found to be valid, trash truck operators will be
fined $300 per offense.

The law allows fines to be issued without a DCRA inspector witnessing an illegal
pickup. Previously inspectors would visit the sites of complaints but were
rarely there when an illegal trash pickup happened.

Private trash companies may only operate in residential areas between 7 a.m. and
9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Complaints must be made within seven days of the offense. To file a
complaint, visit the DCRA Web site (http://dcra.dc.gov) or call at
202-442-4615. You may also mail or fax a complaint form to DCRA. Full
instructions are available at this link: DCRA: Trash Truck Noise
Complaints<http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/view,A,3,Q,643422.asp>

Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington, DC
20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109






To: quietdc@yahoogroups.com
From: joemartinhu@...
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:42:36 +0000
Subject: [quietdc] Re: File - Monthly Message



According to the noise regulations the quietdc site links to, which are dated
1998, trash compactors are entirely exempted from noise controls. Has this
changed?

Across from our building on 20th street every morning a garbage truck emerges
and proceeds to run its super high decibel trash compactor in front of a parking
garage under a concrete awning (amplifying the sound) from 7:05am to 7:25 am.
The truck faces, 80 feet away, about 4 dozen aprtment units in Bristol House,
and the apartments above Second Story Books as well. No one who is sleeping
remains so. One block away on New Hampshire Ave just round the corner -- is a
block with office buildings on both sides, that has no one in them at 7am. They
don't bpther to use it.

The management at Bristol House on 20th Street says they spoke to them a while
ago, but only got them to change their ruckus--which sounds like tank warfare--
from 6:30am to 7am. Is there really no recourse? Do the regulations still give
them an absolute exemption --as the 1998 regulations on file on this site state?
Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

In desperation

Joe Martin / Dupont West




-Paula

I have never heard of such an exemption.  In fact, this particular situation w/
trash trucks has been an ongoing issue for years for the residents at Wisconsin
Ave. and Porter Street NW.  QuietDC, just a couple of months ago, notified
subscribers of a new DC Council passage of a noise ordinance, or amendment to an
existing noise ordinance, that reiterates, no vehicular or construction
machinery noises prior to 7am.  Someone, please correct me if I am wrong on
this.  Thanks.

P. Miller




To: quietdc@yahoogroups.com
From: joemartinhu@...
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:42:36 +0000



According to the noise regulations the quietdc site links to, which are dated
1998, trash compactors are entirely exempted from noise controls. Has this
changed?

Across from our building on 20th street every morning a garbage truck emerges
and proceeds to run its super high decibel trash compactor in front of a parking
garage under a concrete awning (amplifying the sound) from 7:05am to 7:25 am.
The truck faces, 80 feet away, about 4 dozen aprtment units in Bristol House,
and the apartments above Second Story Books as well. No one who is sleeping
remains so. One block away on New Hampshire Ave just round the corner -- is a
block with office buildings on both sides, that has no one in them at 7am. They
don't bpther to use it.

The management at Bristol House on 20th Street says they spoke to them a while
ago, but only got them to change their ruckus--which sounds like tank warfare--
from 6:30am to 7am. Is there really no recourse? Do the regulations still give
them an absolute exemption --as the 1998 regulations on file on this site state?
Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

In desperation

Joe Martin / Dupont West

According to the noise regulations the quietdc site links to, which are dated
1998, trash compactors are entirely exempted from noise controls.  Has this
changed?

Across from our building on 20th street every morning a garbage truck emerges
and proceeds to run its super high decibel trash compactor in front of a parking
garage under a concrete awning (amplifying the sound) from 7:05am to 7:25 am. 
The truck faces, 80 feet away, about 4 dozen aprtment units in Bristol House,
and the apartments above Second Story Books as well. No one who is sleeping
remains so. One block away on New Hampshire Ave just round the corner -- is a
block with office buildings on both sides, that has no one in them at 7am.  They
don't bpther to use it.

The management at Bristol House on 20th Street says they spoke to them a while
ago, but only got them to change their ruckus--which sounds like tank warfare--
from 6:30am to 7am.  Is there really no recourse?  Do the regulations still give
them an absolute exemption --as the 1998 regulations on file on this site state?
Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

In desperation

Joe Martin / Dupont West

This is the monthly administrative message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Administrative note:  All MESSAGES must be SIGNED with your name.  Unsigned
messages will be deleted.

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

You can follow list moderator, Bill Adler, on Twitter: @billadler.

Thanks - for the updates here. I'll try 311 again the next time. Better yet,
I'll hope that there won't be a next time.

Alison



--- In quietdc@yahoogroups.com, "browskidom" <browskidom@...> wrote:
>
> Inspired by this website, I called 311 last night to report a noise violation
(trash truck operating loudly at 4am in residential area).  The 311 operator
told me they would have to transfer me to 911 to report the incident as 311 was
no longer supposed to be used for this function.  I then called the local police
station and was told the same.  Since I wasn't comfortable calling 911...i tried
to go back to sleep.
>
> Anyone heard of this change?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Andy
>

This is the monthly test message for QuietDC,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quietdc/

Remember:  You don't have to suffer because of noise.  In most cases there are
good laws protecting you against loud, early morning and late night noise. 
Protect your rights and take action.

Administrative note:  All messages must be signed with your name.  Unsigned
messages will be deleted.

Visit the links and files section of this list to view a wealth of resources for
dealing with noise problems.

Jim Graham is my hero! He also personally helped me with noise coming from
the community center next door.
Annie Singer


On Sat, Apr 25, 2009 at 11:42 AM, Bill Adler <billonline@...>wrote:

>
>
> There's a new law on the books that allows private trash companies that
> perform pre-7am or post 9pm pickups to be fined. Here is more information
> about that law, which was shepherded through the City Council by
> Councilmember Jim Graham.
>
> --Bill Adler
>
> ----------
>
> The District can now fine private trash pickup companies based on
> residents' complaints under a new law that I authored.
>
> The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will
> investigate complaints of private trash trucks picking up trash outside of
> legal hours. If the complaint is found to be valid, trash truck operators
> will be fined $300 per offense.
>
> The law allows fines to be issued without a DCRA inspector witnessing an
> illegal pickup. Previously inspectors would visit the sites of complaints
> but were rarely there when an illegal trash pickup happened.
>
> Private trash companies may only operate in residential areas between 7
> a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
>
> Complaints must be made within seven days of the offense. To file a
> complaint, visit the DCRA Web site (http://dcra.dc.gov) or call at
> 202-442-4615. You may also mail or fax a complaint form to DCRA. Full
> instructions are available at this link: DCRA: Trash Truck Noise
> Complaints<http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/view,A,3,Q,643422.asp>
>
> Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington,
> DC 20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

There's a new law on the books that allows private trash companies that perform
pre-7am or post 9pm pickups to be fined.  Here is more information about that
law, which was shepherded through the City Council by Councilmember Jim Graham.

--Bill Adler

----------

The District can now fine private trash pickup companies based on residents'
complaints under a new law that I authored.

The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will
investigate complaints of private trash trucks picking up trash outside of legal
hours.  If the complaint is found to be valid, trash truck operators will be
fined $300 per offense.

The law allows fines to be issued without a DCRA inspector witnessing an illegal
pickup.  Previously inspectors would visit the sites of complaints but were
rarely there when an illegal trash pickup happened.

Private trash companies may only operate in residential areas between 7 a.m. and
9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Complaints must be made within seven days of the offense.  To file a
complaint, visit the DCRA Web site (http://dcra.dc.gov) or call at
202-442-4615.  You may also mail or fax a complaint form to DCRA.  Full
instructions are available at this link: DCRA: Trash Truck Noise
Complaints<http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/cwp/view,A,3,Q,643422.asp>

Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington, DC
20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109

I live in a building with a condo board that does not enforce the city
noise ordinance despite three years of documented complaints. As a
result, I have had to tolerate a lot, but do call police  when loud
parties with alcohol and music continue on our outdoor deck past 11
PM. I am not sure whether the 311 number is still in operation, but I
use 911 and have gotten a quick police response. I hope that police
use good judgement in determining response priorities. Of course, it
would be better if our condo board took their responsibility to set
rules that are in line with the city code and took noise violations by
residents more seriously. It seems a shame to have to call 911 for a
noise complaint.

Alison L