(KNZA)--After several months of discussion, the Hiawatha City Commission has approved a new noise ordinance.

The ordinance, drafted by Police Chief John Defore, was approved by the Commission Tuesday evening.

Defore says it goes to a decibel-based system.  The ordinance sets maximum decibel levels for specific time periods and areas.  

The ordinance includes graduated fixed penalties, which range from $50 to $250.

It includes exemptions for such things as power tools, lawnmowers, and similar equipment.

Defore says his department has purchased a decibel meter at a cost of just over $500 to enforce the new ordinance.

The new ordinance was drafted after a local bar owner and a local resident voiced concerns.

City officials say the existing noise ordinance was too vague and hard to enforce.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg says he thinks it's a good step forward in giving law enforcement a tool to be objective.  He said it was created to be fair to as many people as possible and doesn’t cater to any one person or business.

The ordinance will take effect after its publication in the local newspaper.