After getting a few too many calls about noisy cars and loud parties, New Hope officials have revised their noise ordinance to make it easier for police to tag offenders.

The revised rules, which took effect Aug. 6, apply to any music, noise, paging system or other devices that produce or reproduce sounds "in a loudly audible manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of any person of ordinary sensibility."

"For years we've had difficulty trying to enforce noise violations when you have a vehicle going by with the bass and music cranked up real loud moving in and out" of traffic, said Police Chief Gary Link.

Link said the old ordinance focused on loud parties between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and that time period was deleted. The revised rules apply 24 hours a day to noise that is "plainly audible at a property line or at 50 feet" from a building or vehicle, he said.

"If you are 50 feet away you shouldn't be hurting your ears," said Mayor Kathi Hemken. "We had a few complaints about some cars going by with boom boxes too loud."

Hemken said removing the time element protects residents who sleep during the day because they work nights.

City Attorney Steve Sondrall said he drafted the ordinance changes after looking at similar provisions in noise rules of other cities, including Crystal, Plymouth, Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park.

The changes "provide police with a little more ability to ticket drivers," Sondrall said. "Like when the car is vibrating because the bass is turned up."

Sondrall said he updated and clarified the ordinance language to make it easier to apply and enforce. Link said police use their discretion, based on the circumstances, location and distance from homes or people.

Brooklyn Park Police Capt. Greg Roehl said his city has had a similar ordinance since the 1990s. City prosecutor Roger Fellows said most violators pay fines of $50 to $150 for a petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor. He couldn't recall anyone taking a noise case to trial.

Jim Adams • 612-673-7658