Outshouting the Neighborhood Noise

Question

My neighbors happen to live in a multi-unit apartment building. Every single day, especially in summer, they turn their children -- about eight of them in all -- out into the concrete courtyard that separates my cottage and their back doors. The problem is the noise. We're not talking about the sweet sound of children skipping and playing here. For five to seven hours a day, I am subject to blood curdling screams, yelling, plastic toys being smashed on the concrete, balls being bounced and kicked against the wooden fence with resounding repercussions. It's the Lord of the Flies. What do I do? I have complained to the landlord in writing. I have spoken to the parents. They ignore both me and the landlord. Right now, the only way to control the noise is to open my back door and yell at the kids. But that only quiets them temporarily. I've even called the cops, but they don't take my complaints seriously. Since I work at home as a writer, it's even more disturbing. How can I get some peace?

Answer 1

There may be hope for you. Most cities have decibel level noise allowances.

To check on whether the buoyant babes next door are above and beyond the allowable noise level, you can purchase a meter at a local electronics store. If extreme noise is indeed a concern, the meter will probably go over the top allowed in the local ordinance, available at the local library. Keeping a log of the noise, times and decibel levels will help put you back in control. And your log may also be helpful to the law officers; it may even be the one thing that gets them to handle your complaint with the utmost sincerity. 

Let me forewarn you that the noise-o-meter results may surprise you. We writers tend to be Sensitive Types. I lost three days of work this week because of those flying Blue Angels divebombing my house in some kind of demonstration of how the pilots, even though grown up, still like to do tricks in the air. I did not resort to the tactic you take of yelling out the window -- an approach likely to risk contributing to the noise disturbance of others in the neighborhood, some of whom may also be writers. Not to mention how it risks compromising your dignity.

If your noise documentation attempts do not bring the quietude you crave, you might get relief through an agreement reached through a local neighborhood mediation outfit.