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By ROB DAVIS

Date published: 9/30/2004

Caroline may want changes in ordinance

Teeth-rattling subwoofers and fender-shaking boom-boom-booming bass could once again bring a misdemeanor citation in Caroline County.

Officials there are exploring an overhaul of the county's noise ordinance, which would give law enforcement officials discretion to determine whether noise constitutes a violation.

The current law, on the books since 1987, relies on a sound-measuring device called a decimeter to judge what's loud and what's not.

The problem is, Caroline doesn't have any working decimeters.

"I couldn't even tell you where a decimeter is," Sheriff Tony Lippa said. "That made it pretty much unenforceable."

The sheriff and the county's administrative staff have proposed a law that wouldn't require the tool.

Under their draft proposal, the following assaults on the eardrums would be prohibited:

Construction noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. except during emergencies.

Car stereos that can be heard 50 feet away.

Cars without mufflers.

Loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Horn-honking, unless as a warning while driving.

Household noise that could be heard by a neighbor or someone living within 50 feet.

County supervisors discussed the proposal for the first time Tuesday night. They acknowledged interest in revising the law, but appeared skeptical about its first draft.

Supervisor Floyd Thomas said he harbors concerns about adopting a subjective law. Thomas asked: What if a deputy doesn't like Garth Brooks? What about Snoop Dogg?

"If we can work it out to be the same for everybody, I'm all for it," Thomas said.

He suggested the solution may be as simple as buying new decimeters for deputies.

The law's revival was sparked by a resident's complaint. Supervisor Maxie Rozell, who received the complaint, said he favors a new policy.

While Rozell doesn't want to impose on families' outdoor birthday parties, he said excessive noise needs be curtailed.

"Let's fix [the law] or do away with it," he said. "Good people are having to put up with some unfortunate situations."

Board Chairman Calvin Taylor Sr. said he is interested in revising Caroline's ordinance, but wants to know how it could be both objective and enforceable. Supervisors will discuss the issue again at an Oct. 19 work session.

To reach ROB DAVIS: 540/374-5418 rdavis@freelancestar.com

Date published: 9/30/2004