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Reno staff report: downtown "C-scale" bass readings typically 70–80 dB, peaks to about 110 dB; no ordinance proposed
Summary
City staff presented results of a 12-weekend noise study showing downtown C-scale (bass) ambient levels generally 70–80 decibels and event peaks near 110 dB; staff emphasized the presentation was informational and recommended broader, seasonal measurements before pursuing policy changes.
City staff told the Reno City Council on Nov. 19 that downtown ‘‘C-scale’’ bass noise—measured to capture booming low-frequency sound—routinely measures about 70–80 decibels on ordinary days and reached peaks as high as about 110 decibels during a large Believe Plaza concert this summer.
"We took 12 separate weekends between June and October," Angela Foose, assistant director of development services, said on the city podcast summarizing the meeting. "From a C scale level, it reached very, very high levels, 110 decibels, which is, you know, that booming bass that you hear." Foose added staff found surprisingly few official complaints during that loud weekend.
Foose said the study used new, cost-effective noise-measuring devices set at multiple downtown locations and recording data every 10 seconds during 48-hour windows so staff could download objective measurements rather than rely on single handheld readings. The study focused on Downtown Reno, Midtown and 4th Street and measured a mix of concerts, festivals and ordinary days.
Staff stressed this was a presentation, not an ordinance introduction. "Our intent is not to change the rules or to create a new noise ordinance at this point," Foose said. She recommended broader, citywide and seasonal monitoring—measuring winter and summer conditions—before returning recommendations to council because ambient levels vary by time of day, vehicle traffic, events and weather.
On enforcement, Foose noted Reno currently relies on complaint-driven code enforcement and police, which can be limited for noise enforcement because complaints are often reported after events have ended. She said many peer cities differentiate downtown or entertainment district thresholds from residential limits and sometimes use A-weighted scales rather than the C-scale used to capture bass-focused noise.
Council took no formal action on noise during the meeting; staff said they would expand measurement efforts and report back to council with more comprehensive data.
