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Council backs code review and enforcement options after residents cite chronic loud-car and motorcycle noise
Summary
Council members instructed staff to pursue updates to the noise code, review state and federal vehicle-noise rules, and explore enforcement measures including public education, targeted enforcement events and technology pilot programs; staff will return with draft code changes and enforcement options.
Mayor Pro Tem and several council members raised ongoing public complaints about loud cars and motorcycles circling downtown, causing sleep and quality-of-life issues. The study session on Feb. 25 focused on legal tools, enforcement challenges and possible next steps.
City Attorney Young said the city's current noise ordinance uses a vague 'unreasonably loud' standard that is hard to prove in court, and that state law already prohibits muffler bypasses and removals for motor vehicles. He said federal regulations adopted by the state set a motorcycle noise standard of 80 decibels, which must be measured according to specific test distances and procedures.
Deputy Chief John Brambilla and police staff said patrols and targeted enforcement details have been used before and that the department prefers an education-first approach followed by enforcement. The department has conducted sound studies and a prior saturation detail that produced multiple equipment citations and warnings. Officers noted practical challenges for single-officer enforcement—for example, a patrol officer who records a high reading must then locate the vehicle and measure it at a specified distance before the vehicle leaves.
Council members suggested several measures: clarify city code with a measurable decibel threshold, pursue an enforcement pilot or saturation enforcement during peak weeks, run a citywide public awareness campaign, investigate noise-detection technologies (some jurisdictions use automated detection/photo systems) and coordinate enforcement around high-traffic events such as the summer concert series. Councilmembers also asked staff to review neighboring Prescott Valley's code for comparison.
A resident who lives on Willow Creek Road described late-night drag racing and tire squealing that wakes neighbors and said enforcement is difficult when police staffing is limited. The city manager summarized council direction and staff reported general consensus to proceed with code updates and enforcement planning.
Staff will draft proposed city-code language, examine decibel thresholds and enforcement mechanisms, and return with options and cost estimates for council consideration; the council also asked for a public-information component ahead of enforcement.
