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Entertainment commission details enforcement steps after repeated noise complaints at local venues
Summary
Deputy Director Azevedo told the commission that several venues — including Ultra Bowl, Underground SF, Slovenian Hall and SPIN — drew complaints for sound, management or permit issues; staff outlined notices, amended permits and referrals to code enforcement.
Deputy Director Azevedo reported to the San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Feb. 3 that staff have opened enforcement follow-ups or hearings for several entertainment venues after neighborhood complaints.
Azevedo said Ultra Bowl, which holds a limited-life performance permit, has generated repeated complaints and showed maintenance problems at the front door that allowed it to remain open during events. ‘‘We have been receiving complaints from one neighbor in the area about this venue,’’ Azevedo said, and staff plan to bring the venue back to a hearing to update permit conditions and security practices.
Staff also issued a notice of violation to Underground SF after an inspector found the venue operating over sound limits and lacking a C-weighted sound limit; Azevedo said the department will perform a new sound test to establish both A- and C-weighted limits. On SPIN, Azevedo said outdoor speakers predate the city’s outdoor‑sound rules and that staff will propose an amendment to SPIN’s Place of Entertainment permit to bring outdoor speakers into compliance.
Neighbors had raised concerns about Slovenian Hall’s events and the absence of an on-site manager; Azevedo said the hall typically rents to third parties who provide security but not onsite management. ‘‘We are working with the point of contact and the hall manager about bringing them into compliance,’’ Azevedo said, and staff may return to a hearing to revise permit conditions.
The deputy director also described an investigation into repeated complaints at 4370 Mission Street, where inspectors observed a private birthday party during a Saturday visit. Azevedo said inspectors explained that entertainment requires a permit and that operators must come through the department to be brought into compliance. Commissioners and staff discussed referring hard-to-trace or potentially illegal venues to City Attorney code enforcement to identify property owners and accelerate enforcement.
The report emphasized continued field inspections and coordination with other city offices. Azevedo said inspectors have revisited problematic venues multiple times and will maintain monitoring until compliance is achieved.
