When Racquets Make Too Much Racket –
Noise is an everyday part of city living, but when is "too loud", "too much"? Do Chicago area homeowners have a remedy for excessive noise?
Pickleball may be America's fastest growing sport. Its popularity is surging unabated. So, I suppose it's unsurprising that the critics would voice complaints about the sport's noise signature. There is at least some pickleball backlash in the real estate world. At least according to this article
What impact does pickleball have on your quality of life? Or on your property values?
Illinois law prohibits emitting noise beyond the boundaries of your property if it unreasonably interferes with other's enjoyment of life and activity. Chicago has several noise ordinances targeted mostly towards evenings and overnight.
So, what can you do about pickleball noise (or other activity) causing too much racket??
Talk to your neighbors or whoever operates the facility. Explain the problem. Always best to try to reach accommodations first.
File a noise complaint. Depending on your circumstances, you might call 311; alert your homeowners' association; your landlord; other neighbors; the alderperson. File a police report.
If the noise is so offensive to your senses. Makes your life so uncomfortable. Interferes so badly with your use and enjoyment of your home. As an absolute last resort, you could sue. But understand. Lawsuits are expensive. Outcomes unpredictable. I'd hold this option as an absolute last resort.
Whether its the pickleballers, or the dogs next door, or the contractors working on the home across the street.
You need to show: (a) excessive or unreasonable noise, (b) caused by the neighbor, (c) that disturbs your quiet enjoyment of your home, and (d) that you have asked your neighbor to stop but to no avail. So, build your case – make a record to document the problem. How loud is it? What kind of noise? How frequently do you hear it? Keep a written list of each event, including the date and time. Record audio and/or video of the noise.
We help people buy and sell homes, and we'd love to work with you on your next transaction. Schedule a call with me (Mike) or John, our lead attorney, to learn more about our firm and services.
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