Editor:
We have had the unfortunate experience of having a neighbour install a noisy outdoor air conditioner on the side of their house, close to our property line, less than 20 feet from our deck, and 30 feet from bedroom windows. There has been no attempt to implement adequate noise mitigation. On more than one occasion this machine has run non-stop for upwards of 30 hours, affecting the enjoyment of our property and sleep.
The sound produced is that of a rather loud compressor which is amplified in an otherwise quiet residential area. We addressed the issue at installation and several times after.
We were eventually told that Sechelt’s noise bylaw does not cover machine units attached to homes. Although I have not seen or read that statement anywhere in the bylaw.
Upon investigation we discovered that Sechelt is likely an outlier as many jurisdictions around B.C. do have specific regulations governing installation and noise mitigation.
For instance, Vancouver has limitations on decibel sound and requires installation of rubber mats and sound mitigating foam or blankets. Nanaimo regulates their siting and they must be located several metres from property lines; Maple Ridge doesn’t allow units to be installed in the side yard between houses.
In short, there are plenty of established regulations from local jurisdictions that Sechelt could adapt and incorporate into their bylaws.
These compressor and condenser fan units are likely to increase in popularity and become more common throughout the district. This begs for a quick response from Sechelt to regulate installation and noise mitigation standards to protect homeowners and renters.
Patricia Fortin
West Sechelt
