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Committee adopts updated noise standard and declares trespass a public nuisance
Summary
Kane County’s Development Committee approved an amended noise ordinance using decibel thresholds (65 dB daytime, 55 dB nighttime) and passed an ordinance declaring trespassing a public nuisance; both measures passed on roll calls after brief discussion of enforcement and exhibit corrections.
The Kane County Development Committee approved two enforcement-focused ordinances: a revised noise standard using decibel thresholds and an ordinance declaring trespass a public nuisance.
Noise ordinance: Staff recommended replacing the county’s subjective “loud and raucous” standard with a decibel-based Appendix A: daytime noise (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) capped at 65 decibels measured at the property line and nighttime (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) capped at 55 decibels. Staff and commissioners said the standard would use peak readings (not continuous levels) and would be enforced by the sheriff’s office using decibel readers; vehicle noise remains governed by the motor vehicle code.
Trespass nuisance ordinance: Staff introduced an ordinance to declare certain trespass conduct a public nuisance and provide a civil enforcement path in addition to criminal remedies. Packet materials included an incorrect exhibit; staff provided the correct exhibit and the committee approved an on-the-record amendment before taking the final vote. ASA Ford said the civil nuisance classification would give the sheriff and county another tool to respond to trespass conduct without relying solely on criminal code.
Votes: Both ordinances passed on recorded roll calls. Commissioners recorded multiple 'yes' votes during roll calls for each ordinance.
Next steps: Staff will publish the finalized ordinance language and coordinate enforcement with the sheriff’s office and other departments as needed.
