Kissimmee commissioners advance noise ordinance after hours debate; final limits to be set at next hearing

The Kissimmee City Commission approved a second first reading of Ordinance 2057 on the city—s noise measurement and enforcement rules for the downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), while asking staff to return with final decibel thresholds and hours before the ordinance—s final vote.

Deputy City Manager Austin Blake led a detailed presentation on the ordinance and demonstration of sound levels, and asked the commission to choose among options for maximum outdoor noise levels and time windows.

The ordinance discussion centered on whether to keep the existing downtown standard of 85 decibels outside until 10 p.m. (dropping to 70 afterwards), extend 85 decibels to midnight, tie later hours to venues that sell food and alcohol, or allow amplified outdoor speakers until 2 a.m. if a separate after-hours alcohol permit is approved.

Blake played recorded music to illustrate the ordinance—s point of measurement, saying the city regulates "the maximum noise level at your sound impact boundary" and focusing enforcement "on what the decibels are outside." After the demonstration, Blake said readings were "sitting around 82 and 83 decibels" and reminded the…