An increase in noise complaints from residents has prompted the city of Coquitlam to look at reducing the hours during which construction and renovation companies can do significant outdoor work.
Currently, outdoor work is permitted in Coquitlam between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, with reduced times on Sundays and statutory holidays.
But Coun. Brent Asmundson said he would like to see the hours end at 8 p.m. after council received a recent complaint from a Burke Mountain resident.
“I do not know why we have set it at 10 p.m. rather than 8 p.m.,” said Asmundson, also a Burke resident, during a committee meeting on Monday. “The latest [complaint] is someone was digging with a backhoe for a foundation at nine o’clock at night.”
Mayor Richard Stewart told the committee that he supports the proposed changes and suggested they also include early morning deliveries. Under the current rules, he said a company is allowed to drop off a load of lumber or heavy equipment at 5 a.m., which can create noise for area residents.
“We need to get the construction industry to be a bit more respectful, particularly on residential streets,” Stewart said.
Council asked staff to examine what rules neighbouring communities have in place to regulate construction times and report back with recommendations. Quieter indoor work, like painting or electrical, is permitted at any time of day.
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