Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Noise Ordinance Public Nuisance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee adopts ordinance increasing muffler noise penalties; members ask for formal ‘fix‑it’ process and effective‑date clarity
Summary
The Quality of Life Committee voted Jan. 8 to adopt Bill 2024‑13, amending the Uniform Traffic Ordinance to raise penalties for muffler noise violations and to consolidate repeat‑offense categories.
The Quality of Life Committee voted Jan. 8 to adopt Bill 2024‑13, an ordinance amending Schedule A of the Uniform Traffic Ordinance to increase penalties for muffler noise violations, eliminate the distinction between second and subsequent offenses, and confirm community service as an alternative to traffic penalties.
Councilors asked several implementation questions. Councilor Garcia asked whether the ordinance preserves a ‘‘fix‑it’’ option established previously, and whether the city manager had set up the compliance testing process the earlier ordinance had directed. Municipal staff and the city attorney, Mr. Huebner, said a companion bill is intended to correct earlier codification issues so the fix‑it option remains in place; Huebner said he was not certain whether a formal compliance (decibel) test had been adopted and offered to follow up.
Nut graf: Committee members stressed they want an administrable process for verifying repairs so that the higher fines do not simply encourage motorists to pay the fine and continue driving with noncompliant equipment. Huebner reported municipal‑court data in the fiscal impact report showing about 230 muffler citations filed between April 2023 and December 2024; two individuals paid second‑offense fines (the $250 tier) and one individual was fined at the $500 (third or subsequent) level during that period.
Councilor Faulkner said she had previously sought a 90‑day effective date to allow the city manager time to establish verification procedures and suggested that if staff can confirm the compliance process exists, the ordinance could take effect immediately. Huebner agreed to check and report back. Councilor Garcia asked to be listed as a cosponsor and raised concerns about ensuring the compliance test and a public challenge process are in place.
The committee approved the ordinance by roll call vote; members present voted yes.
Ending: Staff agreed to clarify whether the city manager has implemented the compliance test and to return with details about the verification process and any steps needed to allow an immediate effective date.
