Noise readings at Hotel Ritchie validate current ordinance levels, city test shows

Councilmembers and staff reported May 6 that a targeted noise test at Hotel Ritchie matched the expectations of the city's music ordinance and that live music at the tested event did not exceed the permitted levels when measured around the commercial area.

Councilmember Stevens described the on-site testing: "At the stage, we put a meter there, and then we had other meters we used as well. So at the stage, it was 90 dB," he said. Measurements recorded progressively lower decibel levels away from the stage; Chief Lisoya reported a reading of 65 dB from a corner at Fourth and East Murphy and another officer measured about 55 dB from farther back on Fourth Street. Stevens said at one home on South Fifth Street music measured about 55 dB while a passing truck registered about 75 dB.

Chris Ruggia, the city's director of tourism, said the Music Advisory Board reviewed the test and concluded the primary question remaining is enforcement: "Most live music in town is not violating the ordinance as written," he said, and the board wanted clearer guidance on warnings and enforcement steps for repeat violations. Chief Lisoya confirmed that enforcement historically relied on disorderly-conduct provisions and officer discretion, and that warnings are typically issued first.

The council discussed distinctions between live amplified music and recorded or DJ-based sound, noting the latter can produce different complaint patterns. Councilmembers asked staff to continue offering meters for testing and to consider clarifying enforcement steps as part of ongoing ordinance reviews. No changes to the ordinance were adopted at the meeting.