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Commission allows Mystic Acres outdoor amplification this season, orders workshop to set limits after neighborhood complaints
Summary
The board approved multiple outdoor amplification permits for Mystic Acres event center for the current cycle but directed staff to prepare a policy and convene a workshop on limits for future outdoor amplified events after residents complained about frequency, hours and bass noise.
The Spalding County Board of Commissioners on May 20 approved a slate of amplification permits for Mystic Acres event venue for several May and June dates but instructed staff to prepare a policy change to limit outdoor amplified events after neighborhood complaints about frequent, late‑night music and bass vibration.
Community Development staff said the venue submitted multiple applications for events that exceed five hours or extend past 9 p.m., making them subject to board approval. Commissioners expressed frustration at the volume of repeat requests and at prior enforcement gaps; one commissioner described going to the site and hearing traffic noise louder than music but acknowledged complaints about “the bass.”
Commissioner Ryan Bolden urged a collaborative approach, saying he is a small‑business owner and favored working with the venue and neighbors to find technical fixes, “If they’re willing to work, put the 2 people together, and let's make this work,” he said. Other commissioners said they wanted a firmer policy to prevent frequent outdoor amplification from burdening neighbors.
Action taken: The board approved the existing permit requests (items 3–17 on the agenda) for the current season but voted to hold a workshop in June so staff can propose limits — for example a cap on the number of outdoor amplified events per month or year and clearer rules about after‑9 p.m. operations. The board asked staff to return draft language to define allowable outdoor amplification and enforcement procedures.
Why it matters: Mystic Acres’ business model relies on outdoor events during peak wedding season; neighbors say repeated late‑night music reduces quality of life. Commissioners balanced support for small business against residents’ complaints and opted for a short‑term allowance with a commitment to write clearer, county‑wide limits.
