Will Naperville change commercial mowing hours?
Naperville City Council members who want tighter restrictions on commercial crews mowing residential lawns are making their case for what they call a "courtesy regulation."
Restricting such activities to between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends, instead of the current 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., could help avoid neighbor disputes about loud lawn contractors mowing and blowing early in the morning, Mayor Steve Chirico and council member Rebecca Boyd-Obarski said Tuesday.
"It's a courtesy regulation," Boyd-Obarski said about the proposed ordinance change, which was unanimously rejected by the planning and zoning commission. "I realize that we don't want to overregulate our citizens, but at the same time, sometimes a simple ordinance such as this can help with those courtesies between neighbors."
The move to decrease weekend mowing hours began early this summer after a handful of residents complained. It wouldn't affect when homeowners are allowed to mow, which remains 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week, and it would only be enforced when complaints arise. But it could regulate commercial crews because their equipment is larger and louder.
The potential cut in hours is drawing a variety of opinions, including the view council member Kevin Coyne expressed Tuesday.
"I don't like the increased regulation," Coyne said. "I'd like to keep it like it is and not further regulate the landscaping work."
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce polled members and said the organization does not oppose the change in times.
But after the planning and zoning commission recommended denial last month, Chirico predicted it might not pass muster with the council, either.
The council didn't vote Tuesday night, but members are scheduled to make a decision during the next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the municipal center at 400 S. Eagle St.