News Summary
A new law in Nevada permits construction work to begin as early as 5 a.m. from April to September, aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat conditions. The legislation seeks to balance worker safety with the concerns of residents affected by early construction noise. Unanimously approved by the Nevada Assembly and Senate, the law is part of broader measures responding to rising heat-related deaths and community feedback regarding noise disturbances. Additional amendments support early construction hours in developing neighborhoods to further accommodate ongoing construction demands.
Las Vegas, Nevada — A new law allows construction work to begin as early as 5 a.m. from April 1 to September 30 each year, following a recent governor’s approval of Assembly Bill 478. The law applies to construction sites that are more than 300 feet away from any occupied homes, aiming to provide relief to workers facing extreme heat conditions during the hot summer months.
This legislative measure received unanimous approval in both the Nevada Assembly and Senate, reflecting a growing concern for worker safety amid rising temperatures. In 2024, Clark County reported 526 heat-related deaths, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The measure was partly spurred by complaints from residents near a major construction project across from Lake Las Vegas, where construction noise began at 5 a.m. instead of the previously standard 7 a.m. Residents reported disturbances from construction activities as early as 6:30 a.m., raising concerns about the impact on their daily lives.
In addition to Assembly Bill 478, Assembly Bill 189, approved in 2023, further supports early construction hours specifically for homes in developing homeowner association (HOA) communities. This amendment allows construction noise to initiate at 5 a.m. for neighborhoods that are still under development and not yet turned over to the associations. The City Council has also approved construction noise from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. for these under-construction neighborhoods.
Despite these changes, complaints about nighttime construction noise have persisted, leading to an overhaul of permits to limit such activities to daytime hours. Residents raised concerns regarding the use of heavy machinery at night, prompting media attention that eventually spurred modifications to the construction hours. A private contractor, Tilson Tech, received city approval for nighttime work to install high-speed internet, a temporary solution necessitated by high traffic and lane closures.
Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the communication regarding nighttime work, stating that information was insufficient and uncoordinated. Following community pushback, a worker noted that construction hours were adjusted to occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to minimize disruption to local residents.
The evolving construction environment in Nevada, particularly in the Las Vegas Valley, demonstrates the balancing act between community needs and the demands of a booming construction industry. With two of the fastest-warming cities in the U.S., Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui highlighted the critical need for worker protections against heat exhaustion, further supporting the recent legislative changes.
The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also started implementing new worker protections related to extreme heat, beginning in April 2023. These initiatives underscore the state’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its outdoor workforce, especially as heat records continue to be broken in the region, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Overall, the newly passed legislation marks a significant step in addressing worker safety while also attempting to balance the concerns of nearby residents affected by early morning construction noise. As these changes take effect, the focus will remain on ensuring both efficient construction practices and the well-being of the residents in these rapidly growing neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Wikipedia: Construction
- KTNV News
- Google Search: construction noise ordinance Las Vegas
- Bloomberg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: construction site
- 963 KKLV
- Google News: loudest states Nevada
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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
