News Summary
Nevada has enacted legislation permitting construction to start as early as 5 a.m. during summer months, aimed at addressing heat-related health issues for outdoor workers. The law, part of Assembly Bill 478, allows work from April 1st to September 30th, and focuses on sites at least 300 feet away from homes. Despite community concerns about increased noise, lawmakers hope these changes will reduce health risks and enhance worker protections during the state’s hottest months.
Nevada Implements Early Morning Construction Hours Amid Rising Summer Temperatures
Las Vegas, Nevada — New legislation has officially allowed construction activities to begin as early as 5 a.m. during the summer months, replacing the previous typical start time of 7 a.m. The law, enacted to address increasing concerns about extreme heat and its impact on outdoor workers, came into effect following a unanimous vote in both chambers of the state legislature.
Details of the New Regulation
The law applies to construction sites located at least 300 feet away from occupied homes, in addition to providing specific time frames for permissible work hours. The legal change, outlined in Assembly Bill 478, permits construction to start from April 1st through September 30th each year. The primary objective is to reduce heat-related health risks among workers, especially during Nevada’s hottest months when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This legislative move was further supported by Assembly Bill 189, passed in 2023, which extends similar early start hours to noise generation within developing HOA communities. This law allows construction noise to commence at 5 a.m. from April to September in such neighborhoods, aligning with efforts to manage community expectations while balancing economic activity.
Impact on Construction and Community
One of the prominent projects affected by these changes is a large-scale development situated opposite Lake Las Vegas. Neighbors and residents have reported that construction work began unexpectedly at 5 a.m., earlier than the typical 7 a.m. start. Several residents have expressed concerns about the noise disturbance, noting that construction noises have been audible as early as 6:30 a.m.
The Las Vegas City Council has responded by setting specific permitted hours for construction within under-construction neighborhoods, authorizing work from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help mitigate noise disturbances during daytime hours. Additionally, permits for nighttime construction have been revised following citizen complaints and media reports about disruptive late-night work.
Addressing Noise Complaints and Community Relations
Some community members, including residents like Jeff McIntosh, have voiced frustrations over ongoing loud machinery operations outside their homes during late-night hours. The complaints prompted authorities to modify permits, limiting construction activities to daylight hours, typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., for affected sites.
Construction firms such as Tilson Tech, which was conducting work to install high-speed internet, initially received approval for nighttime operations. However, after media attention and community concerns, the company adjusted its schedule, limiting work to daytime hours to minimize disturbance. The company has also reassured residents of its commitment to transparency and community-friendly practices.
Heat-Related Health Statistics and Worker Protections
Nevada continues to face severe heat-related health issues, with 526 heat-related deaths reported in Clark County in 2024. The rising temperatures have accelerated efforts to enhance worker protections under state regulations. Since April 2023, Nevada OSHA has enforced new safety protocols to safeguard outdoor workers from heat stress, including mandatory hydration, rest breaks, and shade provisions.
Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui has emphasized the importance of these measures, citing Nevada’s rapid summer warming and warning that some of the state’s cities are among the fastest-warming in the U.S. These initiatives aim to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses among workers engaged in outdoor construction and infrastructure projects.
Summary
The recent legislative changes in Nevada reflect a multifaceted approach to balancing economic development, community well-being, and worker safety. By permitting earlier construction hours during the hottest months and implementing stricter heat safety regulations, the state seeks to reduce health risks and address community concerns about noise and disturbance.
Construction firms and residents continue to adapt to these new rules, with ongoing efforts to communicate effectively and ensure that work activities are conducted responsibly, especially during Nevada’s increasingly hot summers.
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HERE Resources
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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