As an expert in local regulations and ordinances, I have seen firsthand the impact that noise restrictions can have on yard sales in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. As the weather warms up and spring cleaning begins, many people start thinking about hosting a yard sale. It's a great way to declutter and make some extra cash. However, before you start setting up your tables and hanging up signs, it's important to understand the noise restrictions that may apply to your yard sale.
What is a Yard Sale?
A yard sale, also known as a garage sale or tag sale, is an event where individuals sell their unwanted items from their own property.It's a popular way for people to get rid of items they no longer need or want, while also making some money. Yard sales are typically held in residential areas and can attract a large number of shoppers looking for bargains.
The Noise Ordinance in Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill has a noise ordinance in place to regulate excessive noise levels in residential areas. This ordinance applies to all types of noise, including noise from yard sales. According to the Cherry Hill Township Code, "no person shall make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood."This means that if your yard sale is causing excessive noise that disturbs your neighbors, you may be in violation of the noise ordinance.The township defines excessive noise as any sound that exceeds 65 decibels during the day (7:00am-10:00pm) and 50 decibels at night (10:00pm-7:00am).
How Noise Levels are Measured
Decibels (dB) are used to measure the intensity of sound. The higher the decibel level, the louder the sound. For reference, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, while a lawn mower can reach up to 90 dB. The township uses a decibel meter to measure noise levels and determine if they are in violation of the ordinance.Consequences of Violating the Noise Ordinance
If your yard sale is found to be in violation of the noise ordinance, you may receive a warning from the township.However, if the excessive noise continues, you may be issued a citation and face fines. The first offense carries a fine of $100, while subsequent offenses can result in fines up to $500. In addition to fines, you may also be required to shut down your yard sale if it is causing a disturbance to your neighbors. This can be frustrating and disappointing, especially if you have put a lot of time and effort into organizing your sale.
How to Avoid Noise Violations
The best way to avoid noise violations during your yard sale is to be considerate of your neighbors. Here are some tips to help keep the noise levels down:- Limit the hours of your sale: Stick to the designated times for yard sales in Cherry Hill - 8:00am-6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Avoid starting too early or staying open too late.
- Avoid using loudspeakers or amplifiers: These can significantly increase the noise levels and disturb your neighbors.
- Keep music at a reasonable volume: If you plan on playing music during your sale, make sure it's at a low volume that won't disturb your neighbors.
- Be mindful of noise from shoppers: Encourage shoppers to keep their voices down and avoid shouting or honking their car horns.
- Inform your neighbors: Let your neighbors know in advance that you will be hosting a yard sale. This can help avoid any surprises and give them a chance to plan accordingly.
