Have you noticed the sign at the bulletin board at the entrance of the Cooperative? The one that says "Noise Ordinance in Effect"? Yep -it's there! But you're asking-Why?? The sign was put up in response to the number of complaints the office has received regarding the level of noise from car and house stereos, car muffler and exhaust systems, etc. The main complaint we are hearing is the bass level from car stereos. That person can be in violation of Cooperative policies plus Ann Arbor Ordinances!! If you feel a person is in violation of the following activities, you have the option of contacting the police. If it involves a vehicle, you must have the license plate number and, if possible, a description of the driver. The police will investigate and ticket the violator(s). City Ordinance fines can range from $50 to $500!

Since the cooperative is within the limits of the City of Ann Arbor and "it shall be unlawful for any person to create, assist in creating, permit, continue or permit the continuance of any unreasonably loud, disturbing, unusual or unnecessary noise which disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others...". Whew, it's a very long ordinance!! We've highlighted the following exerpts from the ordinance. However, please feel free to stop by the office for a copy of the Noise Ordinance!!

According to the ordinance, the following activities are prohibited if they produce clear audible sound beyond the property line of the property on which. they are conducted:

• The operation of power tools or equipment between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• The operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum or musical instrument between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• A person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke (otherwise- your muffler & exhaust system can't be loud and/or smoky or backfire!)
• No person shall conduct or permit any activity that produce a decibel (dB(A)) exceeding the following levels:
  61 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and
  55 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  
• A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway or street if total noise exceeds any of the following limits at distance of 50 feet:
  1. 90 dB(A) (decibels) if the speed limit is more than 35 MPH
  2. 86 dB(A) if speed limit is tess than 35 mph
  3. 88 dB(A) under stationery run-up tests.

Pleeeeeeeease be considerate of the residents of the cooperative and adjust the volumn and bass levels of your stereos when you're in the cooperative. Please remember-it is up to you to inform your guests of the rules.