Anderson City Council approves first reading to modernize noise ordinance

The City Council of the City of Anderson on Sept. 22 approved on first reading an ordinance to revise Division 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 42 of the city code that defines and prohibits unreasonable noises, City Manager David McKeown told the council.

The revision "modernizes our ordinance to span on specific prohibited noises of such character, intensity, or duration which interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of persons occupying, owning, or controlling nearby properties," McKeown said, summarizing language in the proposed code update.

Council members said the changes provide clearer guidance for enforcement. Police Chief Stewart described enforcement as a "common sense approach," saying responses will generally be complaint-driven and officers will exercise discretion when they arrive on scene. He told the council officers typically speak to hosts or event organizers first; repeated calls can lead to enforcement action.

Key provisions discussed at the meeting include a nonexhaustive list of specifically prohibited noises (motor-vehicle muffler cutouts, engine revving near dining areas, certain mechanical devices and unpermitted amplified music) and exemptions for emergency signals, aircraft in flight, railroad equipment and authorized outdoor recreational facilities. The draft sets typical construction hours as 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and beginning at 9 a.m. on Sundays.

The council and staff discussed how enforcement would work in practice. Chief Stewart and staff said many complaints are resolved after an officer requests that the noise be reduced; repeated responses can escalate the matter. McKeown said the maximum municipal-court penalty stated in the draft is $500 plus state assessments, though the exact amount is typically determined at the court appearance.

Councilmember Dr. Thompson asked whether a formal "grace period" would apply to first-time violations after adoption, noting public unfamiliarity with new rules. McKeown replied that this ordinance is a revision of an existing noise code and that officers would use discretion; he said he did not favor an automatic grace period for blatant violations but acknowledged typical practice often begins with a warning.

Staff also told the council that enforcement training will be provided: the city will schedule roll-call training for all shifts and bring a city attorney (Rain Campbell) to present the legal standard to officers.

The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading; council members stated it is intended to provide tools for law enforcement while avoiding undue interference with private gatherings such as backyard celebrations.

Council members and staff said the city previously reviewed the draft at a work session and believe the revision clarifies both prohibited conduct and permissible exemptions. If adopted on second reading, the updated language will be added to the city code as described by staff.