Lexington Planning Commission considers noise variance for rooftop bar live entertainment

Residents of Lexington are facing potential changes to their neighborhood as the Board of Adjustment considers a conditional use permit for a rooftop bar, 2 Fisted Willys, which seeks to host live entertainment. During the meeting on June 9, 2025, the applicant presented plans for a seasonal acoustic music setup, featuring a single guitarist, with sound levels monitored to not exceed 90 decibels—comparable to a hair dryer.

Concerns were raised regarding the bar's rooftop location, which is over 16 feet high and lacks sufficient sound buffering from nearby residential areas. Staff analysis indicated that noise from the bar could disturb residents on Woodland Avenue, with sound levels potentially reaching 80 decibels, akin to a truck passing by. The existing noise ordinance defines disturbances as sounds that annoy or disturb a reasonable person, complicating enforcement efforts due to the challenges of measuring sound levels in real-time.

Despite these concerns, the applicant emphasized their commitment to minimizing noise impact, noting that they had engaged with local residents prior to the application and received support after clarifying their plans. The proposal includes a time limitation for music, ending by 10:30 PM, to further address community concerns.

The Board's decision on this conditional use permit will significantly impact the character of the area, as it would introduce outdoor live entertainment where none currently exists. The outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for both community enhancement through entertainment options and challenges related to noise disturbances for nearby residents. The Board is expected to deliberate further on the implications of this proposal in the coming weeks.