Noise and vibration rules draw scrutiny as Page staff propose decibel and vibration limits

Residents and commissioners questioned whether the draft's sound and vibration language would adequately protect neighbors, particularly from low‑frequency noise and prolonged generator operation. Jen (Logan Simpson) explained that the draft requires a baseline sound study including low frequencies and sets limits measured at the nearest residential property line: 55 decibels (7AM–10PM) and 45 decibels (10PM–7AM). A vibration study is required to ensure vibration is not perceptible beyond the property line and cited a 0.12 inches/second threshold.

Several residents compared the proposed limits to familiar sounds — "a lawnmower is about 70 decibels," one said — and asked how long and how frequently noise would be allowed. Commissioners and staff agreed measurement will be at the property line and that sound is logarithmic (small dB differences are perceptually large), but several suggested tighter protocols for generator testing and clearer definitions of a verifiable "power outage" to avoid operational loopholes that could enable continuous generator use. Staff said routine generator testing must be announced on a public website at least 24 hours in advance and is limited to weekday business hours under the draft; exceptions are allowed for bona fide outages.