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.Neighborhood Nuisance Handbook Page 11 of 17 Common sense in City neighborhoods, where people live close together, is consideration for neighbors. Now and then, any of us may do something which makes a neighbor uncomfortable or angry. Most people want to keep peace with their neighbors, may not realize that their behavior is inconsiderate, and are willing to change behavior that is bothering others. Therefore, if a neighbor is bothering you, a friendly talk with the neighbor can prevent one disturbing incident from becoming a conflict. You may want to talk to other neighbors who maybe affected by the conduct or the problem in question. They may join with you in speaking as a group to those causing the problem, keep records of attempts to deal with the problem, and provide moral support. If you do not know who is the owner of the property where the problem is located, call Ramsey County's property tax information office (266-2050) for information on the registered owner. In addition, mediation can often be effective in resolving disputes among neighbors, by having an impartial third party sit down with all people concerned to work out a reasonable solution. The Dispute Resolution Center (292-7791) has a good record in helping to resolve neighborhood problems informally, and may be able to bring all parties together to solve the problem. NOISE Some types of bothersome or irritating noise are illegal, and you can take steps to get the noisemaker to quiet down. Generally speaking, noises are "too loud" if you can plainly hear them at the property line if they're inside a building or 50 feet away if they're outside. Some excessive noises are regulated by the police: Noisy parties in private homes or apartments; and radios, paging systems, musical instruments or other similar machines must not be too loud after 10:00 p.m. Noise from a bar or similar business, including noisy patrons outside the bar, may be not just noise but disorderly conduct. Vehicle noises may be illegal if they are from noisy mufflers, car stereos or no exhaust system; cars or other vehicles that make very loud grating, grinding, or rattling noises; defective loads; or honking the horn for reasons other than emergencies. Owners or operators of vehicles with "booming" stereos may be fined up to $200 for playing music loud enough to be heard at a distance of 50 feet. The police can tag or order the vehicle to be repaired. In most cases, the police have to hear the noise in order to tag the vehicle. However, if the car with the noisy muffler belongs to your neighbor, you can also call the police with a complaint and they can come out, inspect it, and possibly tag it. The police may ask you to sign a complaint about the vehicle. For barking dogs; e.g. owner lets the dog roam and bark (see DOGS). Domestic power tools such as saws, drills, lawnmowers and snowblowers must be quiet between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. When you call the police for these noises, an officer can come out to quiet the noise. However, depending upon work load there may be a delay in response time. F or any kind of loud, persistent noise, day or night (e.g. from machinery, construction, or a business), state and local sound level limits may apply. These noise limits are stricter for residential areas, especially at night, than for commercial or industrial areas. Call LIEP to notify the City about noise which may be louder than these limits. An inspector may contact the operator, come out with a sound meter, measure the loudness and duration of the sound, and determine whether there is a violation. If there is a violation, LIEP may negotiate with the http://www .stpaul.gov /councillhandbook.html 07/06/1999