Resident urges Newman to adopt measurable noise standards modeled on Fresno County

Grace Shulstra, a Newman resident, asked the City Council on March 25 to revise the city's noise ordinance to include clear, measurable decibel limits and to align enforcement standards with Fresno County.

Shulstra told the council that residents who report noise disturbances have received conflicting guidance from staff and in some cases been told they must sign a citizen's arrest form — a requirement she said does not appear in the text of the city's current noise ordinance. She said the ordinance language is subjective and that adopting objective, decimal-based limits would provide clearer guidance to residents and law enforcement.

Shulstra gave council members a packet comparing the city's ordinance to Fresno County's measurement criteria, including an exterior noise standard table and enforcement criteria. She asked the council and staff to review the materials and consider an amendment to the municipal code.

City staff responded that they would review the packet and consult with Sergeant Williams and Lieutenant Short. Staff told Shulstra they would reach out to her by the end of next week to acknowledge receipt and provide initial feedback.

Why it matters: Shulstra said the city ordinance (last reviewed in February 2007) leaves enforcement to subjective judgment; measurable decibel thresholds could standardize enforcement and reduce disputes between neighbors.

What the council directed: Staff accepted the materials and committed to an initial review and outreach to Shulstra. No ordinance amendment or formal referral was scheduled at the meeting.

Source excerpts: Shulstra requested adoption of Fresno County–style decibel limits and supplied supporting documents; staff agreed to review the materials and coordinate with police staff.