Bluffton council asks staff to clarify noise rules for special events, to test decibel and bass levels

Bluffton council members on Tuesday discussed proposed municipal‑code changes aimed at tightening rules for amplified sound at town parks and special events, focusing discussion on Oyster Factory Park and how low‑frequency bass affects nearby residents.

Town staff said the amendments would align the noise ordinance, the special events rules and facility rental terms to make enforcement clearer and to define penalties for violations. Lindy Simino, the town’s special events manager, and the police chief joined staff during the workshop.

Mayor and council members emphasized two recurring issues: whether the current code clearly requires special events to meet the town’s decibel limits, and whether low‑frequency bass that can be felt inside nearby homes is captured by standard decibel meters. The police chief said dispatch logs show recent park noise complaints were recorded on specific dates (most recently Dec. 4 at Oscar Frazier Park and Nov. 8 at Oyster Factory Park), but staff also said residents sometimes contact council members directly rather than calling dispatch, which prevents officers from responding in real time.

Several council members proposed specific changes: reducing the measurement distance from the current 250 feet to 125 feet for certain park settings, limiting amplified music to earlier evening hours (staff cited 9 p.m. as a candidate), and capping amplification to four hours per event while allowing events themselves to continue. Staff recommended testing at actual events and measuring both broadband decibels (dBA) and low‑frequency (dBC/SPL) readings before adopting numerical standards.

Public comment included a resident’s account of low‑frequency disturbance: David Thurlow said of loud bass from vehicles near the waterfront, “it's the bass that seems to be the most annoying. And it actually you can feel it in your chest.” Another resident, Arthur Gutton, said family gatherings can be large and urged council to consider attendee counts and community uses when setting any limits.

Council direction and next steps: Members asked staff to (1) clarify the code so special events permits do not exempt organizers from decibel limits, (2) coordinate with police and the special events office to take decibel and low‑frequency measurements at upcoming events (including testing SPL meters and dBA/dBC), and (3) return with measurements and a recommended set of enforceable limits and penalties. No ordinance amendment was adopted at the workshop.

Staff said they will test at events over the coming months, then bring findings and proposed ordinance language back to council for consideration and readings in March/April as appropriate.