Tiverton council approves one-time sound variance for Sept. 6 wedding at The Boathouse amid neighborhood outcry

The Tiverton Town Council on July 28 approved a temporary sound-variance request for a Sept. 6, 2025 wedding at The Boathouse, 227 Schooner Drive, allowing amplified live entertainment from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., subject to meeting all legal requirements.

The variance was requested by John Cipolla, who told councilors the live singer and keyboardist would perform “during the cocktail hour” and dinner and that “it’s not for anything bridal bringing in some sort of band.” He described the planned music as “Sinatra, Bennett, the American…standard songbook,” and said the live portion would be limited in scope and time. “We are asking…this is a very special important day for me and my husband, my son, who’s marrying his wonderful partner of 7 and a half years,” a family member said during public comment.

Residents who live near the boathouse urged the council to deny the request or attach strict conditions, saying loud DJs and amplified music have become frequent and disruptive. “I have to close my sliders because the noise is unbearable,” said Richard Bachman of 17 Sloop Lane. Dan Abraham, who lives about 60 yards from the patio, said the venue now has “weddings now 4 nights a week almost” and described recent DJ music that kept neighbors awake until late. Several speakers expressed concern that granting the variance would set a precedent that would increase outdoor amplified events.

The council and town staff discussed enforcement and measurement. One resident said she had been told the “current limit is 60 decibels” by town hall; other councilors and staff referenced a 70-decibel limit and the ordinance’s 10 p.m. cutoff in residential zones. Councilors said the fire and police departments have decibel meters and that complaints should be called in so officers can respond and document any violations.

Councilor Burke moved the variance; Councilor Perry seconded. After discussion, the council voted to approve the single-event variance with the condition that the event meet “all legal requirements,” and council leaders urged neighbors to call police to document any future violations.

The council did not specify a detailed enforcement plan or a numeric decibel threshold in the motion. Councilors noted that outdoor entertainment ordinarily requires town review and that a permit for amplified live music is required. Several councilors said they intend to bring the boathouse into future council sessions to review recurring events and permitting compliance.

Neighbors and the applicant were reminded that the variance covered only this application; future requests would need their own review and permits. Councilors also encouraged residents to report unpermitted or excessively loud events to police so the town can record complaints and respond.

The vote concluded the public hearing on the single application; the council did not adopt an expanded policy at this meeting, but multiple members said further follow-up with the boathouse and town departments is likely.