After a substantial amount of public comment and discussion among committee members, the committee agreed on the following preliminary recommendations. These recommendations will be discussed at the SBD Board meeting on Tuesday, April 12.
1) Set a definition of unacceptable noise that is “plainly audible or that unreasonably disturbs the peace.”
2) Live or amplified music is allowed outside:
Sunday – Wednesday until 10 pm.
Thursday – Saturday until 11 pm.
3) Noise that is plainly audible or that unreasonably disturbs the peace beyond the following distances is considered in violation.
Sunday – Wednesday:
7 am – 10 pm = 300 ft.
10 pm – 1:30 am = 150 ft.
1:30 am – 7 am – 50 ft.
Thursday – Saturday:
7 am – 11 pm = 300 ft.
11 pm – 1:30 am = 150 ft.
1:30 am – 7 am – 50 ft.
4) Car radios, boom boxes, car engines, and other non-commercial, unwanted noises are considered in violation in the following instances:
7 am – 10 pm = greater than 50 ft.
10 pm – 7 am = prohibited
5) Complaints can be made by any downtown occupant including residents, business owners and property owners.
6) Police can be pro-active, enforcing the ordinance without a complaint.
7) Emphasize to the police that for noise such as yelling or shouting, made by an individual on public property, the individual should be cited, not a nearby business.
8) Recommend noise/event permits for special occasions such as home football games, outdoor festivals, etc. These permits would allow a business or group to apply to the city’s special events committee for a temporary change to the noise ordinance.
9) Sunset the law after 15 months to allow for an evaluation of its effectiveness.
10) Encourage mediation and negotiation between various parties as well as between these parties and the police. The goal should be fixing the problem rather than simply issuing a ticket.
11) Support other ways to reduce noise including the strategic placement of taxi stands and an increase in public and private transportation. This will disperse noisy crowds faster.
