Comments on Sound Level and Residential Law

Fremont's a problem. It's better to live in a neighborhood where the cops don't show up for noise complaints.

How about growing a pair, walking over to the neighbors' house (you could bring a bottle of wine if you wanna be real classy), and saying "Hey, welcome to the neighborhood. Great to have you. I just wanted to let you know that my band practices in my living room a couple times a week. We're not too loud, and we're always done by 10, but if there's ever a problem, just come let me know, or give me a call."

You could practice with electronic drums, controlling the level with a mixer, so it actually is qas loud as your stereo. Other then that just wait and see.

Going to their house first has never worked in my experience, but you could try it, trouble is if they give you the stink eye, you could be looking at call the the cops sooner than if you didn't approach first.

#2 = the win

Here's one idea: when the neighbors move in, walk over and talk to them about it.

I've been in situations where all it took to keep the peace with new neighbors was a simple conversation where you explain what days you practice, what times you practice on those days, and that you're committed to being finished by 10 PM because that's the law. It can mean the difference between a neighbor coming over to politely remind you that it's after 10 PM and a couple of cops banging on your door to issue a warning/fine because you're too noisy too late.

Whoops, #2 beat me to the punch.

Smurfs are always the answer.

Tell them to Smurf up or Smurf off.