Post by admin on Feb 7, 2008 5:54:28 GMT -5
FREEHOLD — The Borough Council recently introduced two ordinances likely to improve the quality of life in town by cracking down on loud noises and materials and storage containers left outside for extended periods of time.
One ordinance amends the borough's noise ordinances to prohibit engine braking, also known as "jake braking," in the borough.
Engine braking refers to any mechanical exhaust or decompression device used to aid in the "braking, decompression or deceleration" of a motor vehicle, according to the ordinance. Often found in large trucks, engine braking can be very loud if not properly muffled.
Prohibiting engine braking makes no sense, said Frank Scotto, an employee at Freehold Towing in Freehold Township. In an emergency situation, like stopping at a yellow light, engine braking would be necessary to help a truck stop quickly.
"It (the prohibition of engine braking) would affect the safety of pedestrians more than anything else," said Scotto.
"I think if anything, there should be more enforcement of mufflers," Scotto said.
In the ordinance introduced on Jan. 22, both of Scotto's concerns are addressed. The ordinance — if passed — would make exceptions to the new regulations in two cases.
One, use of ummuffled compression brakes is allowed when necessary to protect people and/or property, if the application of an alternative braking system cannot be used. An exception is also made when use of engine compression brakes is "effectively muffled," according to the ordinance.
Borough police officers can stop any motor vehicle or motorcycle operated on a public right of way that is "reasonably" suspected of violating the borough's noise ordinances. Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,250 and a maximum of 90 days in jail, according to the ordinance.
In a second ordinance also introduced on Jan. 22, a new section would be added to the town's health and safety ordinances that would impose regulations on items stored on properties in the borough.
If passed, the ordinance would require that construction dumpsters be removed from an existing home after 90 days. For a home being built, the dumpster could stay on the property for no more than 180 days. These periods could be extended by the borough zoning officer, according to the ordinance.
The dumpsters can only be placed in certain locations on residential properties, and sanitation requirements — such as immediately removing or cleaning dumpsters emitting noxious, foul or offensive odors — would also have to be followed.
The new ordinance also addresses "portable containerized property storage facilities," or "PCPSFs," as they are referred to in the ordinance. PCPSFs are defined as units intended for use outside a residential home to store personal and household property, or to be used for a move from one home to another. The unit can be used on the customer's premises or taken to a commercial storage facility, according to the ordinance.
In the ordinance, these units cannot be located on a residential premises for more than 90 days unless the borough zoning officer extends that time. They can only be used to store personal property, furniture and household items "normally located on or in a residential dwelling or premises." The units also cannot be more than seven feet tall, 10 feet long or eight feet wide. All access doors would have to be secured with locks as well.
The proposed ordinance also imposes restrictions on several other items that might be stored on the exterior premises of the home, including household items like appliances; construction material and equipment; landscaping equipment and supplies; and tires and other motor vehicle equipment and parts.
If the new regulations are approved, anyone found in violation of the ordinance would be subject to a fine of up to $2,000.
A public hearing will be held Feb. 4 on the amended noise ordinance. The outdoor storage changes are to be discussed at a public hearing on Feb. 19.
Kim Predham: (732) 308-7752 or kpredham@app.com
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/NEWS01/802070319/1004/NEWS01
One ordinance amends the borough's noise ordinances to prohibit engine braking, also known as "jake braking," in the borough.
Engine braking refers to any mechanical exhaust or decompression device used to aid in the "braking, decompression or deceleration" of a motor vehicle, according to the ordinance. Often found in large trucks, engine braking can be very loud if not properly muffled.
Prohibiting engine braking makes no sense, said Frank Scotto, an employee at Freehold Towing in Freehold Township. In an emergency situation, like stopping at a yellow light, engine braking would be necessary to help a truck stop quickly.
"It (the prohibition of engine braking) would affect the safety of pedestrians more than anything else," said Scotto.
"I think if anything, there should be more enforcement of mufflers," Scotto said.
In the ordinance introduced on Jan. 22, both of Scotto's concerns are addressed. The ordinance — if passed — would make exceptions to the new regulations in two cases.
One, use of ummuffled compression brakes is allowed when necessary to protect people and/or property, if the application of an alternative braking system cannot be used. An exception is also made when use of engine compression brakes is "effectively muffled," according to the ordinance.
Borough police officers can stop any motor vehicle or motorcycle operated on a public right of way that is "reasonably" suspected of violating the borough's noise ordinances. Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,250 and a maximum of 90 days in jail, according to the ordinance.
In a second ordinance also introduced on Jan. 22, a new section would be added to the town's health and safety ordinances that would impose regulations on items stored on properties in the borough.
If passed, the ordinance would require that construction dumpsters be removed from an existing home after 90 days. For a home being built, the dumpster could stay on the property for no more than 180 days. These periods could be extended by the borough zoning officer, according to the ordinance.
The dumpsters can only be placed in certain locations on residential properties, and sanitation requirements — such as immediately removing or cleaning dumpsters emitting noxious, foul or offensive odors — would also have to be followed.
The new ordinance also addresses "portable containerized property storage facilities," or "PCPSFs," as they are referred to in the ordinance. PCPSFs are defined as units intended for use outside a residential home to store personal and household property, or to be used for a move from one home to another. The unit can be used on the customer's premises or taken to a commercial storage facility, according to the ordinance.
In the ordinance, these units cannot be located on a residential premises for more than 90 days unless the borough zoning officer extends that time. They can only be used to store personal property, furniture and household items "normally located on or in a residential dwelling or premises." The units also cannot be more than seven feet tall, 10 feet long or eight feet wide. All access doors would have to be secured with locks as well.
The proposed ordinance also imposes restrictions on several other items that might be stored on the exterior premises of the home, including household items like appliances; construction material and equipment; landscaping equipment and supplies; and tires and other motor vehicle equipment and parts.
If the new regulations are approved, anyone found in violation of the ordinance would be subject to a fine of up to $2,000.
A public hearing will be held Feb. 4 on the amended noise ordinance. The outdoor storage changes are to be discussed at a public hearing on Feb. 19.
Kim Predham: (732) 308-7752 or kpredham@app.com
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/NEWS01/802070319/1004/NEWS01