St. Augustine police say noise-ordinance draft due May 29; training and meters planned

The St. Augustine Police Department reported May 6 that the city’s updated noise ordinance draft will be submitted to the city attorney for review on or about May 29 and is scheduled for its first reading at the City Commission on June 9.

Assistant Chief Anthony Cuthbert told commissioners that the rewrite has included community-impact assessments, noise mapping and targeted observations of nightlife noise sources. The city’s consultant, Eric Zwerling, provided two technical sessions with staff and advised a draft would be ready for review on May 7, Cuthbert said. The draft will then undergo legal review before being returned to the commission.

Cuthbert said the recommended enforcement approach will blend a plainly-audible standard with noise-meter measurements. The department plans to train and certify a majority of sworn personnel and a designated nightlife liaison to use the meters; initial training will be provided by the consultant after ordinance adoption. Staff reported an inventory of eight calibrated noise meters available for use.

Commissioners asked about concerns from business owners and residents. Members said they expect education-first enforcement (warnings), followed by use of meters when businesses repeatedly exceed limits. Cuthbert described the implementation as a phased program: staff and consultants will provide technical training, in-house instructors will maintain ongoing certification, and the department will refine procedures for nighttime calls.

No formal vote was taken; the presentation was an informational update as the city finalizes the draft for legal review.