Beach Park amends noise ordinance

BEACH PARK -- If your car stereo can be heard booming from 26 feet away, you would be in violation of a newly amended noise ordinance approved by trustees Tuesday night.

And if you park your car too close to a fire hydrant, you may also be in violation.

The Village Board unanimously agreed to amend existing ordinances for excessive noise and stopping, standing and parking.

Trustee John Hucker said the ordinance amendments are important for both residents and staff at the Village Hall.

Before the vote, both issues were vague and prosecution did not go through the village adjudication process. Instead, offenders would be charged at the nearest Circuit Court branch, Hucker explained.

Now, any type of excessive electronically amplified noise audible beyond 25 feet is liable for a violation.

The adjudication court meets at the Beach Park Village Hall every second Wednesday of the month, and if need be, an overflow court is held on the third Wednesday of the month.

According to officials, sheriff's deputies and code enforcement officers from Beach Park can site individuals for violating the newly revised ordinances.

Hucker explained the new noise ordinance does not cover house parties. That would fall under a zoning violation, he told the board.

Fines could range from $50 to $750, according to Village Administrator Ken Lopez.