Manhattan Beach Acts to Curb Street Noise

The Manhattan Beach City Council is moving to control noise by reducing the hours during which construction may be done and restricting the use of leaf blowers in residential areas. The council may also hire a consultant to revise the city noise ordinance, which officials say contains standards that are difficult to enforce.

At a public hearing this week residents complained of being awakened by leaf blowers and of eating breakfast to the sound of hammers and saws.

The council called for an ordinance limiting construction to between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and holidays. The use of leaf blowers in residential areas would be limited to hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

A vote is expected Feb. 20.