Old Town entertainment pilot drew few permits but sparked noise complaints and citations

City staff updated the Old Town Local Advisory Committee on the temporary outdoor live‑entertainment pilot in Old Town, describing a short list of permitted operators, some verified noise violations and a request for committee feedback before staff takes recommendations to the City Council.

Mark Collins, a staff member presenting the item, said the program — a one‑year pilot adopted the previous August and implemented through a temporary use permit (TUP) — is limited to the downtown core and automatically sunsets on August 8 unless council extends, discontinues or makes it permanent. Collins described the pilot as intended for low‑key performances — “guy with a guitar, things like that” — not full amplified concert acts.

Collins said staff has issued two TUPs so far: one to Swing Inn and a recent permit to the Palomar Hotel. He said Swing Inn had three verified noise violations. Brandon Rabidoux, the city’s code manager, explained that complaints are typically about noise levels and that enforcement relies on calibrated sound meters and duration thresholds tied to municipal code and the general plan. Rabidoux said enforcement focuses on sustained exceedances rather than brief spikes; the department issues notices of violation first and citations if noncompliance continues. He confirmed three citations were issued in the Swing Inn matter and said the citations were spaced months apart.

Committee members asked whether complaints came from businesses or residents; Collins and staff said complaints come from both and the city maintains confidentiality of reporting parties. Several committee members said they would solicit feedback from tenants and merchants about whether the program has been positive or negative and whether application processes or permit parameters deterred participation. Collins said the TUP application is a single page and that staff does not consider the process onerous.

Staff requested feedback from committee members and said it will compile responses for the Old Town Steering Subcommittee and City Council. No formal action or vote on program changes was recorded at the meeting.