Saint Paul council approves sound-variance for Breakaway Music Festival over two ‘‘no’’ votes

The Saint Paul City council voted 5–2 on May 21 to grant a sound‑level variance for the Breakaway Music Festival at Allianz Field, approving a revised variance package that reduced some times and decibel levels after neighborhood complaints and further negotiations.

The vote followed a public hearing and a staff‑led revision process. Jared Fucci, president of Breakaway Music Festival, told the council the organizers had relocated the main stage, adjusted hours and sound build‑up, funded on‑site monitoring and established real‑time feedback with the St. Paul Police Department to respond to complaints. “We heard the concerns about noise, disruption and communication, and we have responded for 2025,” Fucci said.

Fucci said Breakaway drew nearly 24,000 attendees to Saint Paul in 2024 and generated about $6 million in economic impact; he added the event has nearly 25,000 tickets sold for 2025. Zachary Litsasup, director of event operations for Allianz Field, endorsed the festival and said organizers worked with city departments, law enforcement and neighborhood groups to make changes.

Several neighborhood representatives urged tighter limits and stronger enforcement. Mark Morrill, co‑chair of the Union Park District Council’s Economic Development Committee, said complaints in 2024 included rattling windows and audible lyrics as far as Lilydale, and recommended three conditions: better sound containment, a user‑friendly feedback line with quick responses, and perimeter sound monitors to measure sound leak rather than only sound at the stage. “Sound containment is really key,” Morrill said.

Department of Safety and Inspections Deputy Director Dan Majelic told the council last year’s approval was for 97 dB at 50 feet; DSI recommended a limit of 100 dB at 100 feet for this year, while the applicant requested 103 dB at 125 feet with a progressive ramp. Council members debated those technical differences and accepted a compromise version, described at the meeting as “version 3 on the table,” which included modest reductions and operational requirements.

Council members expressed differing views. Council Member Johnson said she supports festivals but opposed this variance because it matched prior sound levels that generated many complaints in 2024, and she predicted constituent complaints would continue; Johnson voted no. Council President Naker also voted no, saying the proposed top level was too high given the prior community response. Council members Bowie, Jost, Pervatsky and Buie voted in favor; Buie and others noted steps the organizer took and said stronger enforcement tools and better neighbor notification made the compromise acceptable.

The council recorded roll‑call votes as follows: Kim — aye; Buie — yes; Johnson — no; Jost — yes; Pervatsky — yes; Yang — aye; Council President Naker — no. The resolution authorizing the variance was adopted 5 in favor, 2 opposed.

The approved document requires the applicant to follow the revised schedule and monitoring protocols reflected in the version moved at the meeting and directs DSI and St. Paul Police to carry out compliance and reporting measures. The council’s motion to adopt “version 3” included the revised language that had been placed on the table for transparency and incorporated elements DSI and the organizer had negotiated.

The council closed the public hearing after the vote. Organizers and venue representatives committed to ongoing outreach and on‑site monitoring during the event.