By SARA LUBBES

 

 

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PUNTA GORDA -- Residents who live near construction sites can sleep a little easier. City officials have banned builders from working during the wee hours of the morning.

The City Council unanimously agreed Wednesday to limit construction hours in residential areas to between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The move came after neighbors near major condo developments complained about concrete being poured outside their doors as early as 3 a.m.

Charlotte and Sarasota counties already have similar rules to keep neighborhoods quiet.

"We're not any different than what the surrounding communities are doing," said Mayor Steve Fabian. "We're just joining them."

Under the new ordinance, builders can get exemptions from the time limits under certain circumstances. The city manager's office would grant the exemptions.

The new rule upset local builders, who argued that sometimes it's necessary to work in the early morning to avoid problems such as heat stroke.

"We are concerned that government might be overreaching," said Jon Bednerik of the Charlotte/Desoto Building Industry Association.

The city's building board, made up of citizens and local contractors, also opposed the measure.

If contractors are caught working between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., they could face fines or penalties on their right to work in the city.