band/music nuisance in the neighborhood (Cedar Park, Howe: HOA, houses, deed)

[didadi]

hello folks,
I live in Cedar Park area. I need some opinions/help.
Of late I'm seeing some excessive noise/music coming out of a house (from his garage). I think they are practicing some band music or so until late in the night, around 11PM. Atleast 4 houses in the area are immediately affected and have kids,who can not sleep. Its absolutely impossible to bear this anymore and I'm thinking of complaining to the HOA/Police. Before I do that, I would like to have an opinion here. Could you please tell me the way to go ahead with this situation.

The guy is 2 doors neighbor of mine and ok guy,except I'm not really that friendly with him. I just say a hello/hi to him occasionally and so really can't convey the message to stop without offending him.

Thanks!

[eepstein]

Do you live in an HOA neighborhood?. Many of those (at least the one I live in), have noise ordinances that go into effect after 10pm. You might also try talking to this person and telling him the situation. Who cares if he's offended. Obviously HE isn't concerned about offending many others with his noise. Talk to him one time. If nothing changes, call the cops.

Originally Posted by didadi

hello folks,
I live in Cedar Park area. I need some opinions/help.
Of late I'm seeing some excessive noise/music coming out of a house (from his garage). I think they are practicing some band music or so until late in the night, around 11PM. Atleast 4 houses in the area are immediately affected and have kids,who can not sleep. Its absolutely impossible to bear this anymore and I'm thinking of complaining to the HOA/Police. Before I do that, I would like to have an opinion here. Could you please tell me the way to go ahead with this situation.

The guy is 2 doors neighbor of mine and ok guy,except I'm not really that friendly with him. I just say a hello/hi to him occasionally and so really can't convey the message to stop without offending him.

Thanks!

[another_hot-day]

I think you should talk to him before you do anything else.
Why are you afraid to go directly to the source?

[CarnivalGal]

I would just file a report with the HOA and let them handle it.

[h886]

I would first write an anonymous note (make it nice) and let him know that the noise level has become disturbing and that because it is happening so late at night, you can't sleep.

If it doesn't stop after that, I would call the police each and every time and have them come by and file a report. You can also contact the HOA if you want to. I'm not sure how active/aggressive your HOA is. I would definitely get it documented with the police if the problem doesn't stop.

However, before doing anything like that, I'd leave the guy a note and let him know. He may have no idea it's so loud (probably deafened himself from all the practicing) or that he's bothering anyone.

[atxcio]

I agree with the anonymous note idea, if you aren't inclined to personally talk to the neighbor. You can sign it "Your neighbors", so they might think that several of you are complaining.

Then I would complain to the HOA enforcement officer. They will send them a nasty note, as this activity falls under the "noxious and/or offensive" clause that is written in most HOA covenants or deed restrictions. However, the HOA may be inclined to blow off your complaint if they aren't really strict about enforcing things.

If it is still a problem, call the police. They get noise complaints all the time, they know how to handle them.

[Mrs.JT]

Originally Posted by atxcio

I agree with the anonymous note idea, if you aren't inclined to personally talk to the neighbor. You can sign it "Your neighbors", so they might think that several of you are complaining.

Then I would complain to the HOA enforcement officer. They will send them a nasty note, as this activity falls under the "noxious and/or offensive" clause that is written in most HOA covenants or deed restrictions. However, the HOA may be inclined to blow off your complaint if they aren't really strict about enforcing things.

If it is still a problem, call the police. They get noise complaints all the time, they know how to handle them.

I second this.

Inconsiderate and rude. As another poster mentioned, maybe he's not aware...but...he should take proper steps...

I have a teenage son who has had a couple of birthday parties at home, and he requested a live DJ. I always made sure I "tested" the noise level by stepping outside to ensure the music couldn't be heard by neighbors. That's the least he could do.

[didadi]

Thank you all a bunch! - Anonymous note to start with sounds good! and then HOA ;-). I'm not afraid, I've a ton of more important things to take care,just that this noise is little bit of nuisance specially in the evening!

[sinking]

I agree that you should do an anonymous not but you should pin it to a puppy and include flowers. You want to really make sure he is not offended.

-or-

If you want to be taken seriously speak to him like an adult. Ask him to keep it down to a level you can't hear it on your property after 21:00 and he will likely work with you.

[briansol]

As a musician, I can certainly see both sides to this.

I always try to close my windows/etc when i'm practicing, but it does get loud and can be heard outside i'm sure.

It's tough to keep quiet as most music gear just doesn't work at lower volumes. Drums don't have a volume button. And the tube amps don't distort until they have power running through them.

I would certainly try my best to harbor any complaints of noise after X hour from a nieghbor. But, i'm also 31. If this is a kid, perhaps talking to the parents first may be the better idea.

Just remember, it could be worse. These kids could be doing drugs or robbing your car radio. Instead, they are making music.