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Sound inspector reports citations and staff outlines master calendar, trainings for outdoor events
Summary
Inspector Sean Burke reported recent notices of violation and an administrative citation for Halcyon after measured sound exceedances; Senior Analyst Dylan Rice outlined an SF Outdoor Events Network meeting Nov. 7, a webinar Nov. 13 and a proof-of-concept master calendar for coordinating citywide events.
Inspector Sean Burke told the commission the department has increased field staffing and mobile access to the 311 queue, enabling more real-time site inspections and enforcement.
Burke reported notices of violation issued in response to 311 complaints, including an NOV tied to a salon in Hayes Valley for amplified sound without a permit and an NOV for SPIN Social Club related to doors and an outdoor speaker. He said Halcyon received one administrative citation after staff recorded consistent peaks "about 10 decibels above their limit," with readings "hovering in the low 120s, 122, 123." Burke said staff will continue to work with venues and that inspectors are measuring levels over time rather than relying on a single brief spike.
Senior Analyst Dylan Rice updated the commission on event-planning initiatives. He said the SF Outdoor Events Network will meet Tuesday, Nov. 7 (hold at El Rio) with panels on event technology, and he announced a webinar introducing the outdoor events guide on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. Rice said a proof-of-concept master calendar is finished and staff is working with the Department of Emergency Management and other stakeholders to finalize who can edit and receive the calendar; he expects to distribute a Halloween list of known events to first responders by the end of the week.
Rice described the calendar's current inclusion thresholds: events in parks are listed if expected attendance is 500 or more, while events on streets or sidewalks that would disrupt normal traffic patterns are included regardless of size. He said data sources include permitting entities (MTA, Rec and Park, Port) and community listings but that a consolidated citywide calendar is not yet publicly viewable.
Commissioners asked follow-up questions about how and when staff measures noise, whether venues immediately lower sound when notified and how the calendar will be shared with committees and first responders. Staff said they will continue developing the calendar process and report back.
